Old maid or “happily” married the only two filling statuses before the 21st century. In Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s short story “A New England Nun” readers see main character Louis Ellis defy all social roles set before her in the 1800s. Through a careful analysis one may see the elements of symbolism, local color, and a theme of defiance.
In Freeman’s piece symbolism is seen throughout and holds major reins. First seen in the title “A New England Nun” one can speculate the piece is about a nun from New England, however, one learns the title is not exactly true. Freeman uses symbolism to compare Louisa to a nun for she does not desire to be married to anyone, likewise a nun is married only to God. Another example of symbolism stems from the
In Freeman’s piece symbolism is seen throughout and holds major reins. First seen in the title “A New England Nun” one can speculate the piece is about a nun from New England, however, one learns the title is not exactly true. Freeman uses symbolism to compare Louisa to a nun for she does not desire to be married to anyone, likewise a nun is married only to God. Another example of symbolism stems from the