Monday, May 26, 2008

Something To Think About

I picked up an old book recently entitled Modern English Short Stories. The writing may have been modern back in the 1930s but not so much now. I found this story by Mary Webb (Gone To Earth, Precious Bane) very moving and thought-provoking. I keep coming back to it when I feel negative and scared about Pearlie coming to live with us.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! That story certainly makes you think!

Ronni said...

What a story! There has got to be a better way!

Nelly said...

Things have changed tremendously since Mary Webb wrote that piece. And yet...not so much.

I think Fidelia made the best decision she could in her circumstances.

What I get from the story is a reminder that the old and dependant are not nuisances and burdens to be put away but people who have lives and feelings.

And the things they often leave behind as they grow older...their health, vitality, position in society, communities, friends, family, treasured possessions, homes and, eventually, their dignity and memories.