Cultural Context
Betty Brown
Betty Brown along with the other tracts, implies that woman ought to be happy and proud even after working hard trying to make a living. Even if one feels pain, she should not forget to appreciate the blessings instead of only looking at the hardships. The role of Betty Brown or any other females who were considered “good” females, were required to work to the most of their abilities. More seen herself as an individual and her goal was to encourage the rest to think that way also. Her religious beliefs was a good way to promote her projects such as her Sunday schools or religious programs as well as being sponsored for her stories of the Cheap Repository Tracts. Each women were to perform a given duty however, depending on one’s class. The middle class were to take care of the poor as a human being, not as a business.
Hannah More was not afraid of writing such stories where showing the relationship that were being presented between the poor and the wealthy. This was her way of explaining how each class viewed the other classes that were either above or below them. For example, even in Betty Brown, a woman of wealth was helping this poor girl and she goes so far where she gets her husband who held much power, to be involved as well. After her husband finds out the situation, he says "This worthy Magistrate went directly to Mrs. Sponge's with proper officers; and he soon got to the bottom of many iniquities." He not only made her refund poor Betty's money, but committed her to prison for receiving stolen goods, and various other offences" (61) We as readers can see this scene from two different perspectives; a male figure shows such good deeds through actions whereas a female would do such acts by guidance and quietly reasoning with Mrs. Sponge and find out the reason for such horrible behavior towards Betty and the rest of the poor children. More's main goal was to show her readers that regardless of Betty's wealth and class, at the end she still demonstrated a potential goodness of character within her. Because of the Magistrate and his wife, Betty became a better person and was able to find out the real truth behind the acts of Mrs. Sponge.
Just by reading the first lines of Betty Brown, she "was born nobody knows where, and bred nobody knows how" the narrator explains to the readers with such details of how Betty looked and was seen among people in all the streets of London (55). This first sentence tells us the reputation that Betty had and the way people judged her as. More uses ones's reputation as a way for her to show the significance when one becomes better and much more powerful later on down the road. We can see in this story how the poor were being taken advantage of so easily only because of greediness, by people who were even from their own class. Betty Brown was an orphan and she was manipulated against by a greedy woman, Mrs. Sponge. The Magistrates wife also explains that it is because of people like Mrs. Sponge, the poor innocent people remain in the same condition.
Shepard of Salisbury Plain, Parts One and Two
In the story, Shepherd of Salisbury Plain, Parts One and Two, there are two main characters that provide comparisons in culture among the elite and poor of 18th century England. It is presumed at first (by the wealthy traveler) that the poor are generally unhappy, toiling at menial work, and even dirty or slovenly. Ms. More contends that with some education and moral direction, this needs not be the case. Mr. Johnson, uses his time walking from the city to the country to reflect on his Christian beliefs when he comes upon the poor Shepherd. Right away, class distinctions have been made as the wealthy man is named, and the poor man is not. In this case, Mr. Johnson is immediately struck by the fact that the Shepherd, while clearly the poorest of men (shirt and stockings having been repaired many times) is clean and well kept. The details of how cleanliness imply respect are described in great detail as narrated by Mr. Johnson, and the reader is provided explicit instruction from this seemingly knowledgeable, wealthy, educated person. This narration is by design, as Ms. More is utilizing this technique to educate poor people that they are better off when they keep themselves clean, houses tidy and work hard. It is a Christian inspired work ethic Ms. More wants to impart to her readers, and becomes the point of contention among some of her critics who view salvation in Christianity to be found in faith alone, not works. (Daubeny, pages 10-12) The reader is provided an instant impression of the Shepherd who is not at all discontent with his lot in life, but happy to be working hard at his job and not tempted by the sorts of things that lure rich people to sin. He even compares himself the Shepherds found in the bible and recounts that this thought provided him with a great deal of peace of mind. In another part of the story, the Shepherd tells Mr. Johnson that he was fortunate to be able to read, being from a generation when poor boys were not generally educated. He hints, however, at a change that is taking place where this point is concerned. This is More’s manner of thrusting her education reform ideas into the spotlight through her popular Cheap Repository tracts. She endeavors, through these reforms, to make education available to all layers of society, and especially to the up and coming 18th century middle class rising from the ranks of the poor through education, and particularly females, who had historically been left out of educational opportunities. Near the end of Part Two, it is vividly apparent that the Shepherd is far more pious and righteous than the wealthy traveler. He is subsequently elevated to a higher spiritual level than the wealthy Mr. Johnson, which More cleverly does contrary to culturally accepted beliefs for this time period. The Shepherd’s dilemma of a sick wife and not enough money to pay for her medical treatment or provide a dryer home to ease her condition is remedied by the wealthy traveler, who arranges for a better life for the Shepherd and his family. Not only does this serve the purpose of “rewarding” the Shepherd for his beliefs, Ms. More also further plugs her education goals by supplying the Shepherd and wife with teaching jobs for the poor people and children in their village. This story inspired hope for the poor, promoted the wealthy reaching out to the poor, linked the ability to work hard and overcome one’s current lot in life, and sponsored More’s vision for widely available education for all.
Hester Wilmot
In the story, Hester Wilmot, we see how three characters in a family change their feelings toward religion and how joining changes their family lifestyle and interactions. Throughout the story More shows us the importance of showing children much more than just worrying about vanity. She compares a wealthy young lady to Hester when it comes to earning their bible. More clearly intends this short story to be used to teach poor children how important education is and include religion in their lives. That vanity will not always get you what you want. For example, Hester a young girl who devotes her time into religion as much as she can on her own will. Her parents do not really agree or think of this as important for her child to learn. Hester saves all year long for the annual May-day feast. She would give her mother her earnings, but always save two shillings a week to be able to get a beautiful dress for this event in each the girls would be tested on what they had learned and their behavior at school. “ Those were most perfect in their chapters and brought the best character for industry, humility, and sobriety, received a bible.”(5) More did this to show the poor how class doesn’t necessarily mean your better. Character and how hard you work means much more. Hester loses her savings when she lets her drunk father “borrow” the money for gambling after a fight the previous day concerning religion. One thing Hester always followed was the commandment of obeying her father and mother. Hester’s father lost her money and the day of the event she had no money to buy herself another dress. So instead of coming up with an excuse or just not attending, she dressed herself out as neatly as she could in her old things. More intended for children to be taught specifically girls to not grow up in this fake world of looks and pleasure. When Mrs. Jones the lady at the church gave a speech about saving all year to buy a dress for this event Hester at no time gave any excuse or told on her father. But one thing brought up was that, “meekness and an humble spirit is of more value in the fight of god and good men than the gayest cotton gown, or the brightest pink ribbon in the parish.” (9) Hester ends up earning her bible because unlike Betty stiles, Hester knew that “religion was not a thing of tongue but of heart.” (10) After this moment Hester’s father begins to join her in praying and coming to the church even though her mom does not agree. Her father changes and feels awful but proud at the fact he took his daughters savings but she not once disobeyed or wished them any wrong. This brought their family a lot closer and brought peace including when slowly her mother joins as well. They are all involved in this spiritual lifestyle in the end which helps them feel at peace. More shows us over and over how this character of Hester worries much more about what she feels and wants rather than what other people think. More wanted the poor to educate themselves and be much more, she inspires hope and the belief that religion brings peace. Hester gives up her comfort, clothing, and credit to honor and obey her mother and father.
Betty Brown
Betty Brown along with the other tracts, implies that woman ought to be happy and proud even after working hard trying to make a living. Even if one feels pain, she should not forget to appreciate the blessings instead of only looking at the hardships. The role of Betty Brown or any other females who were considered “good” females, were required to work to the most of their abilities. More seen herself as an individual and her goal was to encourage the rest to think that way also. Her religious beliefs was a good way to promote her projects such as her Sunday schools or religious programs as well as being sponsored for her stories of the Cheap Repository Tracts. Each women were to perform a given duty however, depending on one’s class. The middle class were to take care of the poor as a human being, not as a business.
Hannah More was not afraid of writing such stories where showing the relationship that were being presented between the poor and the wealthy. This was her way of explaining how each class viewed the other classes that were either above or below them. For example, even in Betty Brown, a woman of wealth was helping this poor girl and she goes so far where she gets her husband who held much power, to be involved as well. After her husband finds out the situation, he says "This worthy Magistrate went directly to Mrs. Sponge's with proper officers; and he soon got to the bottom of many iniquities." He not only made her refund poor Betty's money, but committed her to prison for receiving stolen goods, and various other offences" (61) We as readers can see this scene from two different perspectives; a male figure shows such good deeds through actions whereas a female would do such acts by guidance and quietly reasoning with Mrs. Sponge and find out the reason for such horrible behavior towards Betty and the rest of the poor children. More's main goal was to show her readers that regardless of Betty's wealth and class, at the end she still demonstrated a potential goodness of character within her. Because of the Magistrate and his wife, Betty became a better person and was able to find out the real truth behind the acts of Mrs. Sponge.
Just by reading the first lines of Betty Brown, she "was born nobody knows where, and bred nobody knows how" the narrator explains to the readers with such details of how Betty looked and was seen among people in all the streets of London (55). This first sentence tells us the reputation that Betty had and the way people judged her as. More uses ones's reputation as a way for her to show the significance when one becomes better and much more powerful later on down the road. We can see in this story how the poor were being taken advantage of so easily only because of greediness, by people who were even from their own class. Betty Brown was an orphan and she was manipulated against by a greedy woman, Mrs. Sponge. The Magistrates wife also explains that it is because of people like Mrs. Sponge, the poor innocent people remain in the same condition.
Shepard of Salisbury Plain, Parts One and Two
In the story, Shepherd of Salisbury Plain, Parts One and Two, there are two main characters that provide comparisons in culture among the elite and poor of 18th century England. It is presumed at first (by the wealthy traveler) that the poor are generally unhappy, toiling at menial work, and even dirty or slovenly. Ms. More contends that with some education and moral direction, this needs not be the case. Mr. Johnson, uses his time walking from the city to the country to reflect on his Christian beliefs when he comes upon the poor Shepherd. Right away, class distinctions have been made as the wealthy man is named, and the poor man is not. In this case, Mr. Johnson is immediately struck by the fact that the Shepherd, while clearly the poorest of men (shirt and stockings having been repaired many times) is clean and well kept. The details of how cleanliness imply respect are described in great detail as narrated by Mr. Johnson, and the reader is provided explicit instruction from this seemingly knowledgeable, wealthy, educated person. This narration is by design, as Ms. More is utilizing this technique to educate poor people that they are better off when they keep themselves clean, houses tidy and work hard. It is a Christian inspired work ethic Ms. More wants to impart to her readers, and becomes the point of contention among some of her critics who view salvation in Christianity to be found in faith alone, not works. (Daubeny, pages 10-12) The reader is provided an instant impression of the Shepherd who is not at all discontent with his lot in life, but happy to be working hard at his job and not tempted by the sorts of things that lure rich people to sin. He even compares himself the Shepherds found in the bible and recounts that this thought provided him with a great deal of peace of mind. In another part of the story, the Shepherd tells Mr. Johnson that he was fortunate to be able to read, being from a generation when poor boys were not generally educated. He hints, however, at a change that is taking place where this point is concerned. This is More’s manner of thrusting her education reform ideas into the spotlight through her popular Cheap Repository tracts. She endeavors, through these reforms, to make education available to all layers of society, and especially to the up and coming 18th century middle class rising from the ranks of the poor through education, and particularly females, who had historically been left out of educational opportunities. Near the end of Part Two, it is vividly apparent that the Shepherd is far more pious and righteous than the wealthy traveler. He is subsequently elevated to a higher spiritual level than the wealthy Mr. Johnson, which More cleverly does contrary to culturally accepted beliefs for this time period. The Shepherd’s dilemma of a sick wife and not enough money to pay for her medical treatment or provide a dryer home to ease her condition is remedied by the wealthy traveler, who arranges for a better life for the Shepherd and his family. Not only does this serve the purpose of “rewarding” the Shepherd for his beliefs, Ms. More also further plugs her education goals by supplying the Shepherd and wife with teaching jobs for the poor people and children in their village. This story inspired hope for the poor, promoted the wealthy reaching out to the poor, linked the ability to work hard and overcome one’s current lot in life, and sponsored More’s vision for widely available education for all.
Hester Wilmot
In the story, Hester Wilmot, we see how three characters in a family change their feelings toward religion and how joining changes their family lifestyle and interactions. Throughout the story More shows us the importance of showing children much more than just worrying about vanity. She compares a wealthy young lady to Hester when it comes to earning their bible. More clearly intends this short story to be used to teach poor children how important education is and include religion in their lives. That vanity will not always get you what you want. For example, Hester a young girl who devotes her time into religion as much as she can on her own will. Her parents do not really agree or think of this as important for her child to learn. Hester saves all year long for the annual May-day feast. She would give her mother her earnings, but always save two shillings a week to be able to get a beautiful dress for this event in each the girls would be tested on what they had learned and their behavior at school. “ Those were most perfect in their chapters and brought the best character for industry, humility, and sobriety, received a bible.”(5) More did this to show the poor how class doesn’t necessarily mean your better. Character and how hard you work means much more. Hester loses her savings when she lets her drunk father “borrow” the money for gambling after a fight the previous day concerning religion. One thing Hester always followed was the commandment of obeying her father and mother. Hester’s father lost her money and the day of the event she had no money to buy herself another dress. So instead of coming up with an excuse or just not attending, she dressed herself out as neatly as she could in her old things. More intended for children to be taught specifically girls to not grow up in this fake world of looks and pleasure. When Mrs. Jones the lady at the church gave a speech about saving all year to buy a dress for this event Hester at no time gave any excuse or told on her father. But one thing brought up was that, “meekness and an humble spirit is of more value in the fight of god and good men than the gayest cotton gown, or the brightest pink ribbon in the parish.” (9) Hester ends up earning her bible because unlike Betty stiles, Hester knew that “religion was not a thing of tongue but of heart.” (10) After this moment Hester’s father begins to join her in praying and coming to the church even though her mom does not agree. Her father changes and feels awful but proud at the fact he took his daughters savings but she not once disobeyed or wished them any wrong. This brought their family a lot closer and brought peace including when slowly her mother joins as well. They are all involved in this spiritual lifestyle in the end which helps them feel at peace. More shows us over and over how this character of Hester worries much more about what she feels and wants rather than what other people think. More wanted the poor to educate themselves and be much more, she inspires hope and the belief that religion brings peace. Hester gives up her comfort, clothing, and credit to honor and obey her mother and father.