Essay On Working Conditions In Katherine Patterson's 'Lyddie'

Girls who worked in factories in the 1800’s believed that the working conditions were unacceptable. The historical fiction novel Lyddie by Katherine Patterson is based on what a typical factory girl in Lowell, Massachusetts goes through while working hard through poor and unsafe conditions to provide for their family. Lyddie feels the working conditions in her work environment are extremely poor. There is a petition that she would be able to sign to improve the working conditions she faces but she fears of being blacklisted and not being capable for providing for her family. While some peoples opinion is that Lyddie should sign the petition to improve her working conditions and to make her job smoother and more enjoyable, (even though being a factory girl in general isn't enjoyable at all) Lyddie should not sign the petition regardless how she feels about the conditions in her work environment because she needs to provide for her family and get her farm back …show more content…
“I'm think of you. What will you do with no job? You'd be blacklisted.” (92) Lyddie is aware that the working conditions in her work environment aren't fair and healthy, yet being blacklisted will prevent her from being capable of providing her family a life in which they are well and have a comfortable roof under their heads. “No other corporation would hire you.” (92) Being blacklisted, no other businesses would be willing to hire you regardless of your needs. “Should you sign the petition, Betsy, they'll dismiss you.” (91) Betsy is considering to sign the petition for better conditions along with more pay. Amelia and Lyddie disagree and think that she should not sign the petition to reduce the chance of being blacklisted. Lyddie can not sign the petition she must pay off debts and give her family's life they