In another tale, "Rosamond’s Day of Misfortunes” (Early
Lessons, v2), we see Edgeworth’s ability to further explore and develop her character. We also see into her everyday life. In this story, Rosamond begins with a questionable decision to stay in bed late, then moves on to one small miscalculation after another, beginning by tangling the laces of her cap, then pulling them into a knot while trying to dress in time for breakfast. This event points out the structured nature of her day and her panic at disappointing her father by being late, points out the hierarchical nature of family life. The father is only alluded to as a sort of distant power. He never actually intrudes into the very domestic sphere of this story.
Throughout, Rosamond’s emotions escalate at each misstep. It is a picture of the self-fulfilling nature of having a bad attitude as well as a little picture of the hysterical woman/child common to the thinking of the time. In contrast, calm and steady older sister Laura defines the helpful rational attitude that Edgeworth wishes to foster. As Rosamond grows increasingly distraught, Laura remains calm and reassuring. We have progressed to how rational decisions and attitudes interrelate to affect daily life. We have a child sized Sense and Sensibility.
Maria Edgeworth’s Early Lessons lead the child through various life situations exploring decisions and attitudes, habits and natural
consequences. The stories are designed to engage, entertain, and in the process develop rational thinking. The fact that one of the main characters is a little girl illustrates just how progressive she was in her educational ideas.
Lessons, v2), we see Edgeworth’s ability to further explore and develop her character. We also see into her everyday life. In this story, Rosamond begins with a questionable decision to stay in bed late, then moves on to one small miscalculation after another, beginning by tangling the laces of her cap, then pulling them into a knot while trying to dress in time for breakfast. This event points out the structured nature of her day and her panic at disappointing her father by being late, points out the hierarchical nature of family life. The father is only alluded to as a sort of distant power. He never actually intrudes into the very domestic sphere of this story.
Throughout, Rosamond’s emotions escalate at each misstep. It is a picture of the self-fulfilling nature of having a bad attitude as well as a little picture of the hysterical woman/child common to the thinking of the time. In contrast, calm and steady older sister Laura defines the helpful rational attitude that Edgeworth wishes to foster. As Rosamond grows increasingly distraught, Laura remains calm and reassuring. We have progressed to how rational decisions and attitudes interrelate to affect daily life. We have a child sized Sense and Sensibility.
Maria Edgeworth’s Early Lessons lead the child through various life situations exploring decisions and attitudes, habits and natural
consequences. The stories are designed to engage, entertain, and in the process develop rational thinking. The fact that one of the main characters is a little girl illustrates just how progressive she was in her educational ideas.