Imagine being considered less than the people you love and care about. In Louisa May Alcott’s novel, The Inheritance, this is the case for Edith Adelon. Although she is loved by the ones she loves, she desires to be equal. Edith longs for acceptance and equality throughout the whole novel. This conflict reflects upon the structure, setting, plots, characterization of Edith and many other characters, social and economic factors, symbolism and irony.
The Inheritance contains 15 chapters, numbered with Roman numerals. Time passes by rather slowly throughout the novel because it is very detailed. Although sometimes it is like Luisa May Alcott hit the fast forward button and did not drag on details. “Days went on an Edith, with a deep joy in her …show more content…
When acting out tableaux one of the roles that Edith has is Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc was a divine and holy person, as is Edith. Joan of Arc was also born to a poor family but was respected, just like Edith.
Social and economic rank is a big factor in acceptance in this time. Throughout the story Lord Percy longs for Edith’s heart. Unfortunately, in that time it was frowned upon for wealthy people do befriend the poor, and Edith knew that. ‘“I am a poor and humble girl. You are Lord Percy. Then how can we be friends”’ (page 57). Happily, this is resolved at the end because Edith is finally able to love Lord Percy because she is his equal and would be accepted.
“But you had said you could not give your hand to one above you in rank and wealth, and from that hour my love was hopeless, but it never died. Each day some new deed of tenderness ad care, some gentle look or word of yours made it stronger and more heavy to be borne. We are now equals in mere worldly riches. Can you give your heart to one who so ill deserves the blessing you bestow and trust me with the precious gift that shall be held most sacred until death?” (page
The Inheritance contains 15 chapters, numbered with Roman numerals. Time passes by rather slowly throughout the novel because it is very detailed. Although sometimes it is like Luisa May Alcott hit the fast forward button and did not drag on details. “Days went on an Edith, with a deep joy in her …show more content…
When acting out tableaux one of the roles that Edith has is Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc was a divine and holy person, as is Edith. Joan of Arc was also born to a poor family but was respected, just like Edith.
Social and economic rank is a big factor in acceptance in this time. Throughout the story Lord Percy longs for Edith’s heart. Unfortunately, in that time it was frowned upon for wealthy people do befriend the poor, and Edith knew that. ‘“I am a poor and humble girl. You are Lord Percy. Then how can we be friends”’ (page 57). Happily, this is resolved at the end because Edith is finally able to love Lord Percy because she is his equal and would be accepted.
“But you had said you could not give your hand to one above you in rank and wealth, and from that hour my love was hopeless, but it never died. Each day some new deed of tenderness ad care, some gentle look or word of yours made it stronger and more heavy to be borne. We are now equals in mere worldly riches. Can you give your heart to one who so ill deserves the blessing you bestow and trust me with the precious gift that shall be held most sacred until death?” (page