Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Elsie Dinsmore Revisited

I posted a while back on the Elsie Dinsmore. I finished the first book and started on 'Holidays at Roselands". That will be another review. As I said in an earlier post, Elsie is held up as a role model for young Christian girls. I think some of the supporters forget what century this was written in. Some of the things Elsie endured would be considered almost abusive. In one scene, Lora saves Elsie from being whipped by Horace for destroying her copy book. Actually, it was Arthur. He makes her sit at a piano stool because she refuses to play piano for Mr. Travilla. She falls off and hits her head leaving her ill for a few days.

. He wouldn't let eat certain foods or play jacks. He sends her to the closet for playing jacks. The last half of the book drags out a scene where Elsie refuses to read story on the Sabbabth. Horace instructs the family to associate with her. Elsie is blamed for his illness. He tempts her with a new home if she beys him compety regardless if it is against her conscious. He takes off on a trip refusing to be around a naughty child. Elsie falls ill as well for several weeks. He cuts his trip short after Adelaide sends him a letter. Horace realizes his mistakes and moves into the new home. Horace was absent the first eight years of her life and suddenly lays down the law. Though he changed slightly, cheerful obedience is still expected. Who could treat a child in such a way when all they ask for is love and acceptance from their family? It is nothing I recommend any girl to follow. Elsie is good for historical value but not much else.

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