Analysis
Sarah Orne Jewett is a writer whose work celebrated the intricacies of human relationships and the beauty of New England life. Her narratives often explore themes of community, isolation, and the delicate balance between individuality and belonging. Through a series of stories and novels, Jewett crafted much-loved characters and settings that reflect her keen observations of life in 19th-century America.
Jewett’s Literary Landscape
Sarah Orne Jewett's writing is often praised for its focus on women, particularly older women, living in the villages and towns of Maine. Her themes revolve around the dignity and resilience of these characters, who live in the shadow of a more prosperous past and have often endured significant losses. Jewett frequently explores how these individuals navigate their circumstances, either overcoming them or being overwhelmed by them.
Jewett masterfully highlights the interconnectedness of individuals and their communities. Her stories often depict characters who must either withdraw from or be reintegrated into their communities to find happiness and self-fulfillment. This delicate interplay between self and society is exemplified in works like "A White Heron," where Sylvia retreats into nature, and "Miss Tempy’s Watchers," where Mrs. Crowe is drawn back into her community.
The Craft of Jewett’s Storytelling
Willa Cather admired Jewett’s unique ability to evoke a sense of beauty through her writing, akin to a song perfectly matched to the singer. Jewett focused not on dramatic, larger-than-life figures but on ordinary individuals deeply rooted in their environments. This focus presented stylistic challenges, such as maintaining interest and avoiding sentimentality, which Jewett overcame through nuanced storytelling and subtle humor.
Throughout her career, Jewett honed her stylistic approach, developing a tone that seamlessly blended narrative and insight without veering into melodrama. Her stories like "A Native of Winby" and "Martha’s Lady" showcase her skill in portraying the complexities of human emotion and connection.
Jewett’s powers of observation were driven by a personal gift of sympathy, a trait she believed essential for great writers. This gift allowed her to fade into the characters and landscapes of her stories, bringing them vividly to life while preserving the essence of the vanishing Maine culture.
Humor and Humanity in Jewett’s Work
Jewett’s humor is a notable aspect of her writing, described by Cather as "spirited, gay, tactful, and noble." Her stories often contain elements of comedy, as seen in "The Flight of Betsey Lane" and "The Guests of Mrs. Timms," which blend gentleness with incisive wit. This humor complements Jewett’s portrayal of everyday life, adding depth and warmth to her narratives.
Her best-known and critically acclaimed work, "The Country of the Pointed Firs," epitomizes all these qualities. This novella captures the essence of a community through its evocative depictions of the residents of the fictional Dunnet Landing.
"The Country of the Pointed Firs" and Its Impact
"The Country of the Pointed Firs" is often compared to canonical American works like "The Scarlet Letter" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," yet it remains lesser-known to many modern readers. Despite its subtlety, the novella is celebrated for its portrayal of the rich cultural life sustained by women in rural Maine, even as male-dominated industries declined.
The novella’s structure presents a central narrative of a writer seeking solitude in a coastal village, only to find a vibrant community that revitalizes her spirit. Through her interactions, the narrator learns to appreciate the intricate human connections that define Dunnet Landing, gaining profound insights into life and self.
Characters like Almira Todd and Mrs. Blackett exemplify the balance of individuality and communal belonging, showcasing how these relationships anchor the community’s resilience and moral fabric. This balance is a recurring theme in...
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Jewett’s work, illustrating her belief in the transformative power of community and friendship.
"A White Heron" — A Study of Nature and Self
"A White Heron" serves as a microcosm of Jewett’s themes, exploring the tension between nature and society through the eyes of young Sylvia. Rescued from city life, Sylvia finds solace in the countryside, where she encounters an ornithologist seeking a rare bird. Her choice to protect the heron’s secret underscores the story’s meditation on personal growth and the sacredness of natural harmony.
The narrative’s shifting perspectives and immersive descriptions invite readers into Sylvia’s internal conflict, highlighting Jewett’s ability to weave complex emotional landscapes. This blend of realism and transcendentalism marks the story as a cornerstone of Jewett’s exploration of individual authenticity and connection to the natural world.
Exploring "Martha’s Lady" and "Miss Tempy’s Watchers"
"Martha’s Lady" and "Miss Tempy’s Watchers" exemplify Jewett’s capacity to portray profound personal transformations through quiet, everyday interactions. In "Martha’s Lady," the memory of a brief encounter with a captivating visitor shapes Martha’s life, illustrating the enduring impact of idealized love and friendship.
"Miss Tempy’s Watchers" reveals how shared grief and remembrance can lead to personal renewal. As two friends keep vigil over the deceased Tempy, they find their lives enriched through newfound connections and a deeper understanding of generosity and community.
Both stories reflect Jewett’s focus on internal journeys and the subtle, often unspoken bonds that define human relationships.
Jewett’s Foray into the Novel Form
Jewett’s attempts at longer fiction, such as "Deephaven" and "A Country Doctor," illustrate her evolving narrative style and thematic interests. "Deephaven," though sometimes considered a novel, is more aptly described as a collection of stories unified by their setting and the experiences of two young women in a declining Maine seaport.
"A Country Doctor" draws heavily on Jewett’s personal experiences, notably her relationship with her father, to explore themes of vocation and gender roles. While the novel suffers from structural issues, it remains an important part of Jewett’s oeuvre for its autobiographical insights and thematic exploration of a woman’s place in society.
Jewett’s most recognized novel, "The Country of the Pointed Firs," represents the culmination of her narrative strengths, balancing the intimacy of short stories with the expansive scope of a novel. Its portrayal of a tightly-knit community highlights Jewett’s belief in the enduring power of place and memory.
The Decline of "The Tory Lover"
Contrasting her earlier successes, Jewett’s "The Tory Lover" is often viewed as a misstep in her career. Attempting to capitalize on the popularity of historical romances, Jewett’s novel suffers from a lack of engaging plot and dynamic characters. Its historical setting fails to capture the vibrancy that defines her other works, emphasizing the challenges Jewett faced when deviating from her established literary focus.
The novel’s shortcomings, however, do not overshadow Jewett’s lasting contribution to American literature. Her body of work remains a testament to her ability to capture the nuances of human experience and the profound connections that define a community.
Through her stories and novels, Sarah Orne Jewett has left an indelible mark on literature, offering readers an intimate look at life in 19th-century Maine and the timeless themes of love, friendship, and belonging.
