THE COPY-CAT
THAT affair of Jim Simmons’s cats never became known. Two little boys and a little girl can keep a secret—that is, sometimes. The two little boys had the advantage of the little
👵
Tales
of Family, Relationships, and Societal Norms
The provided text contains excerpts from a collection of short stories,
including "The Copy-Cat," "Johnny-in-the-Woods,"
"Little Lucy Rose," "The Amethyst Comb," "The Balking
of Christopher," and "Dear Annie." The stories
explore themes of childhood imitation, familial dynamics, social expectations,
self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. Many of the
stories focus on the lives of women and girls in small, rural communities,
examining their struggles with conformity, identity, and the constraints of
their environments. Instances of
children finding their own path, adults dealing with internal and external
conflicts, and quiet rebellions are described. The narratives
often incorporate elements of social commentary, highlighting the societal
pressures and limitations faced by individuals in these communities. Many of the
stories consider the challenges and rewards that come from breaking free from
societal expectations.
Okay,
here's a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from
the provided excerpts of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman's "The Copy-Cat &
Other Stories."
Briefing Document: Mary E. Wilkins
Freeman's "The Copy-Cat & Other Stories"
Overview:
This
collection of short stories by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman explores themes of
social dynamics, gender roles, family relationships, individuality, and the
clash between tradition and modernity in New England village life. The excerpts
reveal a focus on childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, often highlighting the
complexities and subtle power struggles within these stages. Freeman uses vivid
characterizations and detailed descriptions of everyday life to paint a
portrait of a specific time and place, while simultaneously touching on
universal human experiences.
Main Themes and Ideas:
1. Social Hierarchy and Conformity:
·
The stories
frequently examine social hierarchies within the village, often based on family
name, wealth, or perceived social status.
·
Conformity to
social norms and expectations is a recurring pressure, particularly for women.
·
The story
"The Copy-Cat" illustrates this theme through the characters of Lily
and Amelia. Lily, with her fine clothes, represents the "resplendent
blossom," while Amelia is the "common, very plain butterfly."
Amelia's eagerness to agree with Lily highlights the desire to fit in.
·
"Big Sister
Solly" deals with the expectations placed on children, especially girls,
to behave in a certain way and adhere to societal norms.
1. Gender Roles and Expectations:
·
The stories
explore the restrictive gender roles of the time, particularly for women. Women
are often confined to domestic spheres.
·
The excerpts
showcase the expectations surrounding marriage, housekeeping, and proper behavior
for both men and women.
·
"Dear
Annie" addresses the unspoken burden placed upon Annie by her sisters, who
leave the housework to her while pursuing their own interests. Her brother,
Benny, observes, "There isn’t a day but one of the girls thinks she has
done something you have done, or hasn’t done something you ought to have done,
and they blame you all the time, when you don’t deserve it, and you let
them."
·
The story
"The Umbrella Man" shows Jim as subservient to the whims of his
housekeeper. He internalizes the domestic sphere as belonging to women.
1. Individuality vs. Societal Pressure:
·
Characters often
struggle to maintain their individuality in the face of societal pressures to
conform.
·
"The
Balking of Christopher" shows Christopher Dodd's rebellion against the
monotonous, unfulfilling life dictated by farming and societal expectations. He
decides to "stop trying to do what I am hindered in doing, and do just
once in my life what I want to do." This highlights the conflict between
personal desire and societal expectations.
·
Johnny
Trumbull’s rebellious nature and disdain for Trumbull family characteristics
illustrates this theme in "The Copy-Cat". "None of them had ever
cared for simple amusements like that...no tendency to tall slender-ness which
would later bow beneath the greater weight of the soul."
1. Family Dynamics and Relationships:
·
The excerpts
delve into the complex dynamics within families, highlighting sibling
rivalries, generational conflicts, and the challenges of maintaining harmony.
·
"Dear Annie"
is a primary example, illustrating the subtle power imbalances and resentments
that can arise within a family structure.
·
The Trumbull
family in "The Copy-Cat" represents a family steeped in tradition,
with specific roles and expectations for each member.
1. The Clash Between Tradition and Modernity:
·
The stories
depict a society in transition, where traditional values and ways of life are
being challenged by modern influences.
·
"The
Copy-Cat" showcases this through the Trumbull family, who "living in
a house lighted by electricity… still conceived of messages delivered with the
old saying, 'Ride, ride,' etc., and relays of post-horses." This
highlights the disconnect between their physical surroundings and their mental
conceptions.
·
"Noblesse"
presents an ex-convict trying to reintegrate into society with the tools
available to him.
1. Appearances vs. Reality:
·
The stories
suggest that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that there is often a
gap between how things seem and how they actually are.
·
In "Little
Lucy Rose" the appearance of innocence hides the self-assured Lucy's
manipulations of the boys around her.
1. Compassion and Empathy:
·
Despite the
often critical portrayal of societal flaws, the stories also highlight the
capacity for compassion and empathy.
·
In "The
Umbrella Man," the farmer and his wife's kindness toward David Stebbins,
the ex-convict, demonstrates this. They provide him with shelter, furniture,
and food, treating him with generosity and respect.
Key Quotes:
·
"Ain’t boys
ugly, anyway?” inquired Lily of Amelia, and a wonderful change came over
Amelia. Her sallow cheeks bloomed; her eyes showed blue glitters; her little
skinny figure became instinct with nervous life."
(From "The Copy-Cat," illustrating social conformity and the impact
of status.)
·
"Poor
Diantha," said she, "I remember how Henry used to like Lily
Jennings’s mother before he married Diantha. Sour grapes hang high.”
(From "The Copy-Cat," highlighting the dynamics between women.)
·
“You are a very
naughty little boy,” declared Aunt Janet. “You should know better than to walk
along the street raising so much dust. No well-brought-up child ever does such
things. Who are your parents, little boy?” (From "The
Copy-Cat," illustrating the importance placed on social conduct.)
·
"I
mean," replied Christopher, "to stop trying to do what I am hindered
in doing, and do just once in my life what I want to do."
(From "The Balking of Christopher," representing a rebellion against
societal expectations.)
·
"He’s just
a door-mat, that’s what he is.’ Then Mis’ Trimmer says, ‘The way he lets folks
ride over him beats me.’ Then Mis’ Adkins says again: ‘He’s nothing but a
door-mat. He lets everybody that wants to just trample on him and grind their
dust into him, and he acts real pleased and grateful.’"
(From "The Umbrella Man", displaying other characters' views on Jim.)
Overall Impression:
These
excerpts from "The Copy-Cat & Other Stories" offer a glimpse into
a world where social expectations and gender roles heavily influence individual
lives. Freeman's writing is characterized by its attention to detail, its
nuanced characterizations, and its exploration of the subtle power dynamics
within families and communities. The stories serve as a reminder of the
enduring human struggles to balance individuality with societal pressures, to
find meaning and fulfillment in a world often defined by limitations and
expectations.
Quiz
Answer
each question in 2-3 sentences.
1. In "The Copy-Cat," what is
significant about Amelia's transformation when speaking with Lily?
2. In "The Copy-Cat," what is the
deeper reason Johnny spanks Aunt Janet?
3. In "Johnny-In-The-Woods," what is
Johnny's Robin Hood aspiration a response to?
4. In "Daniel and Little Dan’l,"
what does Daniel Wise do when he visits the village?
5. In "Daniel and Little Dan'l,"
what is the point of the anecdote about the "out-West" barrels?
6. In "Big Sister Solly," how did
Jim's mother respond to the fact that Jim was thinking of marrying?
7. In "Noblesse," how do Sydney and
Margaret see each other by the end of the story?
8. In "The Cock of the Walk," why
was Jim's habit of talking to himself a source of anxiety for some?
9. In "The Umbrella Man," what does
Stebbins's encounter with the two girls reveal about his perception of himself?
10. In "The Balking of Christopher,"
why does Christopher decide to go live on Silver Mountain?
Quiz - Answer Key
1. Amelia's transformation, marked by blooming
cheeks and blue glitters in her eyes, reveals her suppressed desire for
connection and validation. Lily's attention awakens a dormant part of Amelia,
highlighting her longing for social acceptance and the shared experiences of
womanhood.
2. Johnny's action is driven by a sense of
justice and defending his honor rather than disrespect for his aunt. She
"overstepped the bounds of privilege of age and sex, and an alarming state
of equality ensued" when she spanked him.
3. Johnny's Robin Hood fantasy is a response
to the injustice and squalor he observes in his community, particularly
embodied by Jim Simmons's neglected house. It reflects his desire to address
social inequalities and enact a form of justice.
4. He will visit his great-niece, Little
Dan'l. They will enjoy treats together.
5. The anecdote about the "out-West"
barrels serves to highlight the cycle of poverty and the futility of simply
passing along unwanted items. It underscores the story's themes of genuine
generosity and meaningful connection.
6. Jim's mother did not laugh or smile, but
instead seriously inquired about Jim's feelings on the matter, treating him as
though he were a grown man. She had serious conversation with the boy, acting
as if his intentions were serious.
7. Sydney and Margaret achieve a purely
spiritual connection, envisioning each other as lines of beauty moving in
parallel, separate yet inseparable. This idealized perception transcends the
physical and social constraints of their circumstances.
8. His habit of talking to himself made some
people nervous, but his wife thought it was a necessary way to express his
thoughts since she and others did not engage in intellectually stimulating
conversation with him. She believed it was a way for him "to keep himself
a man."
9. The encounter reveals that Stebbins,
despite his criminal past, does not see himself as a threatening figure. He is
shocked and insulted by their fear, highlighting the stigma and social
consequences he faces as a former prisoner.
10. Christopher decides to live on Silver
Mountain as a form of rebellion against a life of unfulfilling labor and
financial struggle. He seeks to reconnect with nature and experience the simple
pleasures he has always missed.
Essay Questions
1. Explore the theme of social class in Mary
E. Wilkins Freeman's short stories. How do the characters' economic
circumstances shape their relationships, opportunities, and sense of
self-worth?
2. Analyze the roles of women in the selected
stories. How are traditional gender roles both reinforced and challenged?
3. Discuss the significance of setting in the
selected stories. How does the rural New England landscape contribute to the
themes and character development?
4. Trace the theme of transformation or change
in The Copy-Cat & Other Stories. Which characters undergo
significant personal growth, and what catalysts bring about these changes?
5. Examine the theme of isolation in The
Copy-Cat & Other Stories. How do characters isolate or find themselves
isolated, and what are the effects of this isolation?
Glossary of Key Terms
·
Antimacassar:
A small covering, usually ornamental, placed on the back or arms of furniture
to protect it from wear or dirt.
·
Calomel:
A mercury chloride compound formerly used as a purgative and disinfectant.
·
Chivalry:
The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. More
generally, courteous behavior, especially that of a man toward women.
·
Cupping:
A traditional therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin,
creating suction to draw blood to the area.
·
Idiosyncrasy:
A peculiar habit or characteristic.
·
Maltese Cat:
A breed of domestic cat with blue-gray fur.
·
Noblesse Oblige:
The inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and
nobility toward those less privileged.
·
Opaque:
Not able to be seen through; not transparent.
·
Purgative:
A medicine or treatment that causes bowel evacuation.
·
Reincarnating:
To be reborn in another body.
·
Retinue:
A group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person.
·
Sardonic:
Grimly mocking or cynical.
·
Squalid:
Extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect.
·
Tidies:
Small, decorative covers for furniture.
·
Trousseau:
The clothes, household linen, and other belongings collected by a bride for her
marriage.
·
Venerable:
Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or
character.
Here is an 8-question FAQ based on the provided excerpts
from "The Copycat & Other Stories" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman:
FAQ: "The Copycat & Other
Stories" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
·
What are some recurring themes in these stories?
·
Several
themes emerge: the constraints and expectations placed upon women in late 19th
and early 20th-century New England, the tension between tradition and
modernity, the complexities of family relationships, the exploration of
individual freedom versus societal norms, the presence of somewhat peculiar or
eccentric individuals, and the unexpected capacity for kindness and generosity,
even amidst hardship. Many of these themes overlap and interrelate, creating
rich character and compelling plot points.
·
How does the author portray the dynamics between women in
these stories?
·
Freeman
portrays a wide range of female relationships. There's often a competitive
element (as seen in "The Copy-Cat" and "Dear Annie"),
driven by societal pressures or jealousy. However, there are also instances of
solidarity, empathy, and unexpected support between women (e.g., the farmer's
wife helping David in "The Umbrella Man"). Overall, the relationships
can be complex, shifting between rivalry and understanding. The author seems
keen on highlighting a very full range of feminine natures and relationships in
the confines of family and community life.
·
What role does eccentricity or individuality play in the
narratives?
·
Eccentric
characters are prominent and often serve to challenge societal norms. Johnny
Trumbull's family traits and behavior are decidedly outside the expectations of
the village. Christopher Dodd's desire to abandon farming and live in his sugar
shack exemplifies a rejection of conventional life. Jim Bennet’s odd living
arrangement, and relationship with his live-in housekeeper, Adkins, mark him as
unusual. These characters highlight the struggle to reconcile personal desires
with community expectations and the inherent worth of individuals.
·
How does the author explore the tension between the past
and the present?
·
The
stories often feature characters grappling with changing times. Johnny
Trumbull’s family still lives with conceptions from a bygone era. "The
Umbrella Man" describes a man recently released from prison attempting to
reintegrate into a society that has moved on without him. This juxtaposition
creates internal and external conflicts for the characters, as they struggle to
navigate a world where old traditions clash with new realities.
·
What is the significance of the detailed descriptions of
domestic settings and everyday life?
·
Freeman
uses these descriptions to ground her stories in a specific time and place,
offering insight into the daily routines, social customs, and material
conditions of New England life. The attention to detail also serves to
highlight the limited scope of many characters' lives, particularly those of
women, whose existence often revolves around domestic duties and familial relationships.
There is great character and atmosphere to be wrought from these descriptions
that speaks to the inner lives of the main players.
·
What is the author saying about the roles and
expectations of men and women in society?
·
The
stories reveal rigid gender roles and expectations, especially for women. Women
are often confined to the domestic sphere, judged by their appearance and
domestic skills, and expected to prioritize the needs of their families over
their own desires. Men also face pressures, such as the expectation to provide
for their families and conform to societal norms, but often have more agency
and freedom than women.
·
What does the story "The Umbrella Man" tell us
about society's attitude toward previously incarcerated individuals?
·
"The
Umbrella Man" reveals the challenges faced by former prisoners in
reintegrating into society. Stebbins is met with suspicion, fear, and
difficulty finding employment. The story highlights the stigma associated with
a prison record and the struggle to overcome past mistakes and build a new
life. The very concept of an umbrella man as an itinerate repairer reveals the
hard scramble one is up against to merely live.
·
What role does marriage play in the narratives, and how
is it portrayed?
·
Marriage
is often presented as a central institution in the lives of the characters, but
it is not always portrayed as a source of happiness or fulfillment. Some
marriages are depicted as being based on practical considerations rather than
love, or as being restrictive and unequal. There are instances where characters
yearn for marriage, while others view it with apprehension, or a childish
naiveté. However, in some instances, there's also the possibility of finding
companionship and mutual support within marriage, despite its challenges.
classic short stories, The Copy-Cat, Johnny-in-the-Woods, Little Lucy Rose, The
Amethyst Comb, The Balking of Christopher, Dear Annie, rural life stories,
women in literature, childhood imitation, self-discovery, societal
expectations, familial dynamics, social commentary, breaking free from norms,
small-town struggles, literary analysis, thought-provoking stories, classic
literature, quiet rebellions, identity and conformity
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