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Fanny Fern (Sara Payton Willis Parton), Fern Leaves from Fanny's Portfolio, 1853
Vignettes written for the Boston True Flag, the New York Musical World and Times, and other periodicals, these pieces lure the reader with their witty style into the waiting fangs of Sara Parton, who bemoans the condition of American womanhood at midcentury. The predicaments of woman in all her roles—wife, bride, mother, mother-in-law, spinster, widow,—are illuminated in these short pieces that range from mournful tragedy to bristly satire. "I've a perfect horror of satirical women," announces one of her male characters. "There's no such thing as repose in their presence." Prepare to enter the presence of Fanny Fern. Especially useful to contrast with the fiction in Godey's Lady's Book. Would definitely appeal to students. Titles range from 1/2 - 2 pages.
Read 3-5 of these recommended "Leaves" (118 total in Portfolio):
"Look on This Picture . . . ," p. 16
"Comfort to the Widow," p. 47
"How Husbands May Rule," p. 116
"Woman," p. 133
"The Passionate Father," p. 135
"The Ball-room and the Nursery," p. 141
"A Chapter on Literary Women," p. 175
"Children's Rights," p. 188
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"Sorrow's Teachings," p. 192
"A Word to Mothers," p. 234
"The Model Step-Mother," p. 301
"Advice to Ladies," p. 317
"A Little Bunker Hill," p. 346
"Important for Married Men," p. 352
"Aunt Hetty on Matrimony," p. 377 |
Discussion questions
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How does Parton view the situation of white women in mid-nineteenth-century America? |
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How does she view the situation of children, both girls and boys? |
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What earns Parton's wrath in these pieces? |
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How does Parton's view of Christian faith, especially as a source of strength to women, contrast with the views of Catharine Beecher and Elizabeth Cady Stanton? |
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In one vignette, a character bemoans that women are fools and men idiots. What do women do that is foolish? What do men do that is idiotic? |
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Overall, what is Parton's message to women? What should they change, and what must they accept? |
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How would Parton characterize the "cult of domesticity" of the 19th century? |
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Would Parton join Elizabeth Cady Stanton in political activism?
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Reading highlights
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Parton cloaks her numerous pieces on death—involving orphans, new widows, and mothers who have lost children—with compassionate advice. Consider reading one of these "Leaves" ("Comfort for the Widow," "Sorrow's Teachings"). |
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In "A Little Bunker Hill," Parton directly addresses the issue of women's rights.
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