Themes: Resourcefulness and Practicality
Lyddie’s resourcefulness and practicality are essential for her and her family’s survival, but they also add touches of humor to the novel that make Lyddie a more endearing character. The story begins with a prime example of Lyddie’s ability to cope with whatever situations are thrown at her. She stares down a bear. She holds the animal at bay with the force of her gaze until her family is safe in the cabin’s loft. When Lyddie herself is safe and the bear stumbles out of the cabin with the oatmeal pot on his head, readers cannot help but laugh with Lyddie and her siblings at the image of a skinny thirteen-year-old girl locking eyes with a large bear. Lyddie’s resourcefulness is necessary, given the conditions of her life, as well as an opportunity for such theatricality.
Lyddie’s practicality leads to humor and theatricality again during her journey to Lowell. When the stagecoach becomes firmly stuck in the mud, the upper-class men among the passengers have no idea how to get it out, and the coachman is enjoying watching their efforts so much that he fails to instruct them. Lyddie, however, knows exactly what to do. She hitches up her dress, ties her shawl around her waist, grabs a flat stone, and places it under the coach's wheel, and then steps into the mud and pushes alongside the men. Under her direction, the men free the coach, and the party continues on the way, with Lyddie up front with the laughing coachman and the muddy passengers pouting inside. Lyddie’s resourcefulness saves the day again—and again to comic effect.
Expert Q&A
What value does Lyddie find in reading in Lyddie?
Lyddie finds immense value in reading as it opens new worlds and opportunities for her. Initially embarrassed by her lack of education, she learns to read with the help of fellow factory workers, using Oliver Twist as a learning tool. This newfound skill allows her to communicate with her family and later teach others, like Brigid, to read. Reading becomes a source of joy and empowerment, motivating her to continue her education independently.
In Lyddie, chapters 19-20, why did Lyddie work hard after selling the farm?
Lyddie worked hard after selling the farm to cope with the loss and maintain her sense of independence. Selling the farm and her sister Rachel's departure left her feeling intensely lonely and stripped of her identity. She rejected Luke Stevens's marriage proposal out of pride, misinterpreting it as pity. Immersing herself in work became her way to avoid confronting her emotions, as it was the only aspect of her life she felt she could control.
How has Lyddie's proficiency affected her salary in Lyddie?
Lyddie's proficiency in operating looms at the factory directly influences her salary, as she is paid by the piece. Her skill allows her to work independently and even manage additional looms, increasing her earnings. As a result, Lyddie earns about $2.50 a week above her $1.75 board, despite others' complaints about low piece rates. Her dedication to hard work and financial independence is driven by her desire to reunite her family and pay off debts.
How did Lyddie educate herself?
Lyddie educates herself primarily through self-motivation and the help of her workmates, Diana and Betsy. Despite having to leave school early to support her family, Lyddie is passionate about learning. Her coworkers inspire her love of reading, particularly with Oliver Twist, which captivates her imagination and improves her literacy skills. This newfound ability allows her to write letters home and fuels her ambition to pursue further education.
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