Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909) was an American author and poet, best known for her stories that capture the nuances of everyday life in New England Her works use naturalistic and regional settings to explore the experiences and social relationships of people in small towns and villages. She is particularly noted for her portrayals of strong-willed, independent-minded female characters, who resist social norms and expectations.
One of Jewett’s most famous works is her novel The Country of the Pointed Firs. Published in 1896, it tells the story of a city-dweller who visits a small Maine fishing village and is welcomed into the lives of the villagers. This work is seen as an important precursor to the modern environmentalist movement due to its discussion of rural life and its reverence for nature.
Jewett’s short stories often employ similar themes and settings, focusing on the lives of everyday people rather than on larger-than-life figures. She often wrote about the struggles of women in a male-dominated society, as well as the joys of everyday life and the beauty of nature. Five of her best-known works are:
1) “A White Heron”: The story of an independent-minded young girl who goes on a search for a rare white heron in the Maine woodlands.
2) “The Guests of Mrs. Timms”: A humorous story about the etiquette of a dinner party gone wrong.
3) “A Dunnet Shepherdess”: The story of a strong-willed sheepherder who stands up to a tyrannical landowner.
4) “The Town Poor”: A story about the push and pull between people of different economic classes in a small town.
5) “The Foreigner”: A poignant story of a young immigrant in a New England town who discovers the kindness of the local people.
Jewett’s works have influenced generations of writers, and she is now seen as an important precursor to the modern environmentalist movement. Through her work, she celebrates the beauty of everyday life in small towns and villages, and she also gives voice to the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. Her work remains as relevant today as ever, and her stories are still read and enjoyed by many.