New England nun
What is the deeper significance of the quote "It is downright cruel to keep him [Ceaser] tiep up there"
-Dagget refrencing his and Louisa's relationship in which he is "tied up" to Louisa
Relate to American realism
-conveys concern of women -daily lives of New England Women -character development -characters go from feeling obligated to the marriage to free from it
Norms/customs/practices
-patriarchy -marriage
topic of discussion
-women can live a happy independent life
Plot
exposition: Joe Dagget returns from his 14 yr buisness trip in Australia and plans on marrying his fiance in less than a month rising action: Louisa's mother and brother died and she had grown used to her independence and dreads marrying climax: Louisa sees Lily and Joe together. She finds out they have feelings for one another but can't marry because of louisa falling action: Louisa discusses the matter with Joe and decides to call the wedding off resolution: Louis is happy for her independence and is numbering her names like "an uncloistered nun"
themes
independence: a woman can live happily w/o a man Louisa has been doing this for 14 years
conflict
Louisa/Joe Dagget vs) self -at first feels she must continue on w/ marriage for obligations sake. Waited for 14 yrs Louisa vs) Joe Dagget -complete opposites, one is feminine and soft, the other is loud and masculine
Characters
Louisa Ellis: a refined and peaceful New England woman who lived by herself for 14 years waiting for her fiance. Systematic and independent. Joe Dagget: goes to Australia for 14 years for buisness and returns to his fiance. He secretly has fallen for another woman Lily Dyer:lover of Joe Dagget and would rather not marry if she can't have Joe Caesar: Louisa's dog who has been chained up to his house for biting a neighbor
what does "uncloistered nun" mean
Louisa is to live a secluded life from Joe and survive w/o him
symbolism
Louisa's home -neat,clean, and organized just like her personality Caesar -Louisa's captivity because when Joe and Louisa were engaged the dog was fettered. By agreeing to marry Joe Louisa is giving away some of her independence
Who is the author?
Mary Wilkins Freeman (female author)
Setting
New England late 19th centry
