Mary Freeman was from a time when things were tough. It was the years following the Civil War and many shops were closed down. Things seemed to be decaying. As a young girl, Freeman suffered in her health and because of that focused on reading. As Freeman grew older, her love of reading progressed into writing. Many people began to move to the west, but many unmarried women stayed behind. These women were strong willed and often referred to as a "stern old maid". As stated in the text, it was these women who became the brunt of many jokes in poems, cartoons, and songs. As Freeman grew older her works began to pick up popularity , and she was published many times. Our class was asked to read Freedman's short story, "The English Nun."
The opening setting paints a perfect little picture of a woman sitting by the window sewing. To me an almost cliche scene, that automatically places the woman in her traditional role. She is very dainty and meticulous about how everything is arranged and looks. She picks her own tea slowly and carefully. Almost every movement she makes has a particular purpose, in which she finds pride in. Although Louisa Ellis was no better off than any other person in her town, she likes the finer things. She decorated her coffee table with fine linens, and used to best china. At first I assumed that she would have company over for tea, but she only had a single cup out. In my opinion the description of Louisa Ellis fits the stern old maid stereotype.
Soon we are introduced to another character by the name of Joe Dagget. He is seemingly a sweet and well reserved man. He is a love interest of Louisa Ellis. When we are first introduced to Joe Dagget, it would seem as if he was just a friend. The story begins to unfold, and we realize that they are engaged to be married. This along with many other stories, is not the happy ending it seems. At a time Louisa Ellis was in love with Joe Daggot. Unfortunately, he was determined to go off and make enough money to start a family with her. Fourteen years later, Joe Daggot is back with his fortune. He seems as though he is ready to settle down and be married. During his years away, Louisa has spent the majority of her time alone. She had grown accustomed to her own way of living. The thought of changing her entire life for a man she no longer is in love with does not seem like an option anymore. She had grown into a different person.
I noticed the meticulous why she quickly fixed everything he touched. In my opinion it symbolizes the fact that Louisa does not want to change, she likes everything the way it is. She brushed his footprints off her carpet like she was brushing him away. The thought of taking care of a large household, and Mr. Daggot's sick mother only encourages her feelings of wanting to be free.
In the end Louisa Ellis hears a private conversation between Joe and Lily Dyer. They had been having a secret affair. Louisa feels hurt, but in a way relieved of her duty to marry Joe. She was not in love with him, but was still going to go through with the occasion. I think originally she was marrying him simply out of obligation, and the fact that she was expected to have a husband. I found it sad that she was sewing her wedding dress. After hearing their conversation, she simply stopped. To her there was no reason to finish sewing the dress. It seemed to turn out to be a happy ending for all. The nun, Louisa Ellis, who is devoted to her home and perfectly content with that. Then Joe, who seems just to want to settle down and start a family. In this story their is no bad guy and no hero. Just a man and a woman who once felt that they were in love. After many years apart, their feelings have changed and they are different people. One happy to be alone, and the other looking for love.
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