In Chapter 38, when Katy and Nettie are questioning whether their papa will take them away from their horrible situation, I am reminded of Fanny Fern's short story "Thanksgiving Story." The two little girls in the story are remembering a time when their father was alive, and they had food, clothing, and warmth. The mother in "Thanksgiving Story" never has the opportunity to talk, but in Ruth Hall that conversation ends with: "'Papa has gone to heaven, where there is no more sickness, no more pain. Papa is happy now, Katy.' 'Happy? without me, and you, and Nettie,' said Katy, with a grieved lip?"
The fact that Fern repeats these situations leads me to believe that these conversations were had between Fern and her own small children many times, and they weighed heavily on her heart. We need to remember that Fern was not the only one suffering through poverty, loss, and bad relationships. Her second husband may not have been kind to her daughters either.
I really like that you make the connection between Ruth Hall and "Thanksgiving Story." I agree that the situations are very similar, especially since the children are forced to think about happy times in the past and to grieve for loss. One of the biggest differences, however, is that Hall is starting to get back on her feet. Hopefully the change in situation will equate to a change in the children's happiness.
ReplyDeleteThis book is making me take a look at our own system of Welfare. Back in Fanny Fern's times, a single mother simply would not have made it. Was their only hope relatives that weren't complete assholes wrapped up in the social standard and status?
ReplyDelete