A Fountain Sealed By: Anne Douglas Sedgwick (1873-1935)
"A Fountain Sealed" by Anne Douglas Sedgwick is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of personal relationships, societal expectations, and the consequences of repressed desires. Set in England during the early 1900s, the novel gracefully tackles themes of love, duty, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The story revolves around the lives of two sisters, Elizabeth and Katharine Heron. Elizabeth, the older sister, is portrayed as a conventional and dutiful woman, adhering to societal norms and expectations. In contrast, Katharine is seen as a free-spirited and independent woman, unafraid to challenge societal conventions. The author skillfully explores the inner struggles of these two characters and their contrasting viewpoints towards love and marriage. Elizabeth finds solace in conformity, ultimately marrying a respectable suitor who meets society's standards. On the other hand, Katharine is determined to marry for love, disregarding the opinions of others. Amidst these differing perspectives, Sedgwick weaves a tale that exposes the price one pays for conforming to societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the quiet desperation of Elizabeth's marriage, forced to suppress her desires and conform to the role of a dutiful wife. The author showcases the unfulfilled longings and agonizing compromises faced by individuals who prioritize conformity over personal happiness. Furthermore, Sedgwick's rich and vivid prose transports readers to the English countryside, setting the stage for the characters' internal battles. By masterfully describing settings and employing intricate details, the author creates an immersive reading experience. The lush landscapes and the presence of nature become symbolic of the characters' inner conflicts, providing deeper insights into their emotional journey. The strength of Sedgwick's novel lies in her ability to craft complex characters with depth and nuance. They are not merely caricatures of societal archetypes, but individuals grappling with the decisions and consequences that define their lives. By infusing her characters with ambitions, desires, and flaws, the author invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the inherent struggle between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. While "A Fountain Sealed" unfolds at a leisurely pace, the beautifully crafted prose and poignant moments keep readers engaged. Sedgwick's exploration of the human psyche and the limitations imposed by societal expectations make this novel a thought-provoking read. In conclusion, "A Fountain Sealed" is a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of conforming to societal norms. Through the lives of Elizabeth and Katharine, Anne Douglas Sedgwick offers a profound exploration of personal desires, duty, and the eternal quest for personal fulfillment. This book is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the intricacies of the human condition. First Page: A FOUNTAIN SEALED by ANNE DOUGLAS SEDGWICK (Mrs. Basil de Sélincourt) Author of 'The Little French Girl,' 'Franklin Winslow Kane,' 'Tante,' etc. I Three people were sitting in a small drawing room, the windows of which looked out upon a wintry Boston street. It was a room rather empty and undecorated, but the idea of austerity was banished by a temperature so nearly tropical. There were rows of books on white shelves, a pale Donatello cast on the wall, and two fine bronze vases filled with roses on the mantelpiece. Over the roses hung a portrait in oils, very sleek and very accurate, of a commanding old gentleman in uniform, painted by a well known German painter, and all about the room were photographs of young women, most of them young mothers, with smooth heads and earnest faces, holding babies. Outside, the snow was heaped high along the pavements and thickly ridged the roofs and lintels. After the blizzard the sun was shining and all the white glittered. The national colors, to a patriotic imagination, were pleasingly represented by the red, white and blue of the brick houses, the snow, and the vivid sky above. The three people who talked, with many intimate pauses of silence, were all Bostonians, though of widely different types. The hostess, sitting in an easy chair and engaged with some sewing, was a girl of about twenty six... Continue reading book >>

A Fountain Sealed By: Anne Douglas Sedgwick (1873-1935)

"A Fountain Sealed" by Anne Douglas Sedgwick is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of personal relationships, societal expectations, and the consequences of repressed desires. Set in England during the early 1900s, the novel gracefully tackles themes of love, duty, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The story revolves around the lives of two sisters, Elizabeth and Katharine Heron. Elizabeth, the older sister, is portrayed as a conventional and dutiful woman, adhering to societal norms and expectations. In contrast, Katharine is seen as a free-spirited and independent woman, unafraid to challenge societal conventions.

The author skillfully explores the inner struggles of these two characters and their contrasting viewpoints towards love and marriage. Elizabeth finds solace in conformity, ultimately marrying a respectable suitor who meets society's standards. On the other hand, Katharine is determined to marry for love, disregarding the opinions of others.

Amidst these differing perspectives, Sedgwick weaves a tale that exposes the price one pays for conforming to societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the quiet desperation of Elizabeth's marriage, forced to suppress her desires and conform to the role of a dutiful wife. The author showcases the unfulfilled longings and agonizing compromises faced by individuals who prioritize conformity over personal happiness.

Furthermore, Sedgwick's rich and vivid prose transports readers to the English countryside, setting the stage for the characters' internal battles. By masterfully describing settings and employing intricate details, the author creates an immersive reading experience. The lush landscapes and the presence of nature become symbolic of the characters' inner conflicts, providing deeper insights into their emotional journey.

The strength of Sedgwick's novel lies in her ability to craft complex characters with depth and nuance. They are not merely caricatures of societal archetypes, but individuals grappling with the decisions and consequences that define their lives. By infusing her characters with ambitions, desires, and flaws, the author invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the inherent struggle between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.

While "A Fountain Sealed" unfolds at a leisurely pace, the beautifully crafted prose and poignant moments keep readers engaged. Sedgwick's exploration of the human psyche and the limitations imposed by societal expectations make this novel a thought-provoking read.

In conclusion, "A Fountain Sealed" is a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of conforming to societal norms. Through the lives of Elizabeth and Katharine, Anne Douglas Sedgwick offers a profound exploration of personal desires, duty, and the eternal quest for personal fulfillment. This book is a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the intricacies of the human condition.

First Page:

A FOUNTAIN SEALED

ANNE DOUGLAS SEDGWICK

(Mrs. Basil de Sélincourt)

Author of 'The Little French Girl,' 'Franklin Winslow Kane,' 'Tante,' etc.

Three people were sitting in a small drawing room, the windows of which looked out upon a wintry Boston street. It was a room rather empty and undecorated, but the idea of austerity was banished by a temperature so nearly tropical. There were rows of books on white shelves, a pale Donatello cast on the wall, and two fine bronze vases filled with roses on the mantelpiece. Over the roses hung a portrait in oils, very sleek and very accurate, of a commanding old gentleman in uniform, painted by a well known German painter, and all about the room were photographs of young women, most of them young mothers, with smooth heads and earnest faces, holding babies. Outside, the snow was heaped high along the pavements and thickly ridged the roofs and lintels. After the blizzard the sun was shining and all the white glittered. The national colors, to a patriotic imagination, were pleasingly represented by the red, white and blue of the brick houses, the snow, and the vivid sky above.

The three people who talked, with many intimate pauses of silence, were all Bostonians, though of widely different types. The hostess, sitting in an easy chair and engaged with some sewing, was a girl of about twenty six... Continue reading book >>

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Literature

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