0,49 €
Mehr erfahren.
- Herausgeber: DigiCat
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
In "Giles Corey, Yeoman," Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman weaves a gripping narrative that explores themes of tradition, fear, and the struggle for autonomy within a deeply patriarchal society. Set against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials, Freeman's novel employs a rich, evocative prose style that highlights the emotional and psychological complexities of its characters. The book serves as both a historical exploration and an introspective reflection on the consequences of mass hysteria, offering readers a profound understanding of the societal pressures that shape individual lives and choices. Freeman's nuanced portrayal of rural life in New England is both haunting and illuminating, making it a salient piece in the context of late 19th-century American literature, particularly in its examination of gender dynamics and moral dilemmas. Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman was a prominent voice in American literature, known for her keen observations of New England life and her focus on female characters facing societal constraints. Freeman's own experiences living in Massachusetts, along with her deep interest in the region's history and folklore, undoubtedly influenced her decision to tackle the theme of witch trials in this novel. Her past works often reflect a deep empathy for marginalized individuals, lending authenticity and emotional weight to her storytelling in "Giles Corey, Yeoman." This compelling novel is highly recommended for readers interested in American history, feminist literature, and psychological drama. Freeman's insightful exploration of the interplay between personal and societal conflicts will resonate with those who appreciate complex character studies and thought-provoking narratives. "Giles Corey, Yeoman" remains a vital contribution to the canon of American literature, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring impact of history and the timeless struggle for individuality.
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
Ähnliche
Giles Corey, Yeoman
Table of Contents
By Mary E. Wilkins
Illustrated
New York Harper & Brothers Publishers 1893
Cast of Characters.
Giles Corey. Paul Bayley, Olive Corey's lover. Samuel Parris, minister in Salem Village. John Hathorne, magistrate. Jonathan Corwin, magistrate. Olive Corey, Giles Corey's daughter. Martha Corey, Giles Corey's wife. Ann Hutchins, Olive's friend and one of the Afflicted Girls. Widow Eunice Hutchins, Ann's mother. Phœbe Morse, little orphan girl, niece to Martha Corey. Mercy Lewis, one of the Afflicted Girls. Nancy Fox, an old serving-woman in Giles Corey's house.Afflicted Girls, Constables, Marshal, People of Salem Village, Messengers, etc.
Act I.
Scene I.—Salem Village. Living-room in Giles Corey's house. Olive Corey is spinning. Nancy Fox, the old servant, sits in the fireplace paring apples. Little Phœbe Morse, on a stool beside her, is knitting a stocking.
Phœbe (starting). What is that? Oh, Olive, what is that?
Nancy. Yes, what is that? Massy, what a clatter!
Olive (spinning). I heard naught. Be not so foolish, child. And you, Nancy, be of a surety old enough to know better.
Nancy. I trow there was a clatter in the chimbly. There 'tis again! Massy, what a screech!
Phœbe (running to Olive and clinging to her). Oh, Olive, what is it? what is it? Don't let it catch me. Oh, Olive!
Olive. I tell you 'twas naught.
Nancy. Them that won't hear be deafer than them that's born so. Massy, what a screech!
Phœbe. Oh, Olive, Olive! Don't let 'em catch me!
Olive. Nobody wants to catch you. Be quiet now, and I'll sing to you. Then you won't think you hear screeches.
Nancy. We won't, hey?
Olive. Be quiet! This folly hath gone too far. [Sings spinning song.
SPINNING SONG.
Nancy. Massy, what screeches! [Screams violently.
Phœbe. Oh, Nancy, 'twas you screeched then.
Nancy. It wasn't me; 'twas a witch in the chimbly. (Screams again.) There, hear that, will ye? I tell ye 'twa'n't me. I 'ain't opened my mouth.
Olive. Nancy, I will bear no more of this. If you be not quiet, I will tell my mother when she comes home. Now, Phœbe, sing the rest of the song with me, and think no more of such folly. [Sings with Phœbe.
Nancy (wagging her head in time to the music). I know some words that go better with that tune.
Phœbe. What are they?
Nancy. Oh, I'm forbid to tell.
Phœbe. Who forbade you to tell, Nancy?
Nancy. The one who forbade me to tell, forbade me to tell who told me.
Olive. Don't gossip, or you won't get your stints done before mother comes home.
Phœbe (sulkily). I won't finish my stint. Aunt Corey set me too long a stint. I won't. Oh, there she is now! [Knits busily.
Enter Ann Hutchins.
Olive (rising). Well done, Ann. I was but now wishing to see you. Sit you down and lay off your cloak. Why, how pale you look, Ann! Are you sick?
Ann. You know best.
Olive. I? Why, what mean you, Ann?
Ann. You know what I mean, in spite of your innocent looks. Oh, open your eyes wide at me, if you want to! Perhaps you don't know what makes them bigger and bluer than they used to be.
Olive. Ann!
Ann. Oh, I mean nothing. I am not sick. Something frightened me as I came through the wood.
Olive. Frightened you! Why, what was it?
Phœbe. Oh, what was it, Ann?
Ann. I know not; something black that hustled quickly by me and raised a cold wind.
Phœbe. Oh, oh!
Olive. 'Twas a cat or a dog, and your own fear raised the cold wind. Think no more of it, Ann. Wait a moment while I go to the north room. I have something to show you. [Exit Olive with a candle.
Phœbe. What said the black thing to you, Ann?
Ann. I know not.
Nancy. Said it not: “Serve me; serve me?”
Ann. I know not. I was deaf with fear.
Phœbe. Oh, Ann, did it have horns?
Ann. I tell you I know not. You pester me, child.
Phœbe. Did it have hoofs and a tail?
Ann. Be quiet, I tell you, or I'll cuff your ears.
Nancy. She needn't be so topping. It will be laying in wait for her when she goes home. I'll warrant it won't let her off so easy.
Enter Olive, bringing an embroidered muslin cape. She puts it gently over Ann's shoulders.
Ann (throwing it off violently). Oh! oh! Take it away! take it away!
Olive. Why, Ann, what ails you?
Ann. Take it away, I say! What mean you by your cursed arts?
Olive. Why, Ann! I have been saving a long time to buy it for you. 'Tis like my last summer's cape that you fancied so much. I sent by father to Boston for it.
