22 pages • 44 minutes read
A New England Nun
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Summary: “A New England Nun”
Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman’s "A New England Nun" was first published in 1891's A New England Nun and Other Stories. The collection exhibits the author’s many modes of writing, demonstrating her mastery of the Romantic, Gothic, and psychologically symbolic genres. The stories focus on the native scenery, dialogue, landscape, and values of 19th-century New England. The stories center on themes of women’s integrity and hardships, femininity versus masculinity, and the commerce and culture of the era. In the story “A New England Nun,” the protagonist refuses when she is forced to change for someone else. In doing so, she discovers herself but may not understand what she is giving up in the process. For page citations, this guide uses the 1891 edition of A New England Nun and Other Stories, available on Google books for free download.
“A New England Nun” begins with Louisa Ellis, who is serenely sewing in her sitting room. It is late in the afternoon, and the light is beginning to fade. We watch as Louisa meticulously performs her daily duties. She makes tea, prepares a meal, feeds the dog, and tidies up the house while waiting for Unlock all 22 pages of this Study Guide Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
