Diana, a Union organizer, teaches Lyddie about compassion, and to think beyond the immediate need to make a living in order to survive. It is Diana who takes Lyddie under her wing when she arrives at Lowell, making sure she has materials with which to write her family, and teaching her how to run her loom. Diana is pro-Union, but she does not press her views upon Lyddie. When asked, however, she explains to Lyddie the ideas behind organizing to secure basic rights, and by her example and her teaching, stimulates Lyddie to think about things, and about needs and goals beyond her own immediate ones.
Betsy teaches Lyddie to appreciate literature, reading to her from Oliver Twist. She also instills in her an appreciation for the value of education, and stimulates her to consider the possibility of going to college. Like Diana, Betsy challenges Lyddie to really think about...
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things beyond the realm of her everyday survival.
From Brigid, Lyddie learns humility. When Brigid first comes to the factory, Lyddie is frequently frustrated with her because she is so slow at learning to operate her loom. The young Irish girl's dogged determination, however, soon impresses Lyddie, and despite herself she begins to appreciate Brigid's tenacity and effort. Brigid comes from poverty far worse than what Lyddie has experienced, having "nearly a dozen brothers and sisters to care for," and a mother who is ill, yet Brigid is kind-hearted, and, once she does learn to work the loom herself, is quick to step forth and teach others. From Brigid, Lyddie learns patience, and finds a nobility within herself that comes from understanding that no matter what her situation is, there is always value in helping others.
What roles did Diana, Betsy, and Brigid play in Lyddie's life?
Diana, Betsy, and Brigid all play important roles in Lyddie's life.
Diana is really the first to welcome Lyddie to being a factory girl. Diana takes Lyddie under her wing and teaches Lyddie how to operate within the very busy factory. Diana is also the woman who first treats Lyddie's injury on the factory floor. Additionally, Diana secures Lyddie access to a doctor. Lastly, Diana is the woman that really encourages Lyddie to sign the petition.
Betsy's main role is that she turns Lyddie toward the importance of education and learning. Betsy first does this by reading Oliver Twist to Lyddie. Eventually Lyddie learns that Betsy is working in the factory to put herself through college. The possibility of that for Lyddie had never really crossed her mind until she met Betsy.
Lyddie does not like Brigid at first. Lyddie is forced to help her learn how to work in the factory. That causes Lyddie's production to fall a bit, and Lyddie isn't happy about that. Eventually, Lyddie becomes Brigid's protector in the same way that Diana was Lyddie's protector. Near the end of the book, Lyddie helps Brigid escape from Mr. Marsden's sexual advances. The incident leads to Lyddie being fired.