The Supply at Saint Agatha's By: Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (1844-1911)
The Supply at Saint Agatha's by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of sacrifice, gender roles, and the power of education. Set in a small New England town during the late 19th century, the story follows the lives of a group of women at Saint Agatha's School for Girls, where they not only receive an education, but also learn valuable life lessons about self-discovery and independence. One of the main strengths of Phelps' writing is her ability to create relatable and complex characters. Each woman at Saint Agatha's has her own unique backstory and struggles, ranging from societal expectations to personal traumas. Through their experiences, Phelps challenges the traditional gender roles enforced during that time period, showcasing the women's resilience and determination to pursue their passions and dreams. Phelps also highlights the importance of education as a means of empowerment. The girls at Saint Agatha's are given the opportunity to learn various subjects that were often reserved for men, such as science and mathematics. The author's emphasis on education as a tool for social progress is both inspiring and relevant even today. The novel's exploration of sacrifice is another noteworthy aspect. Throughout the story, the characters are faced with difficult choices that require them to choose between personal happiness and the greater good. These moral dilemmas add depth to the narrative, forcing readers to reflect on their own values and priorities. The Supply at Saint Agatha's is not without its flaws, however. The pacing of the plot can be slow at times, with certain scenes feeling unnecessarily prolonged. Additionally, some readers may find Phelps' prose to be overly sentimental, detracting from the overall impact of the story. Despite these minor shortcomings, The Supply at Saint Agatha's remains a compelling read that sheds light on important social issues. Phelps' vivid descriptions of the New England setting transport readers to a bygone era, immersing them in a world where the fight for gender equality was just beginning to take shape. Overall, The Supply at Saint Agatha's is a noteworthy novel that tackles significant themes with sensitivity and depth. Phelps' ability to create memorable characters and weave together poignant storylines makes this book a must-read for those interested in feminist literature and the power of education. First Page: [Frontispiece: " The kneeling people lifted their wet faces ... But the chancel was empty "] THE SUPPLY AT SAINT AGATHA'S BY ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY E. BOYD SMITH AND MARCIA OAKES WOODBURY BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY The Riverside Press, Cambridge 1896 Copyright, 1896, BY ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS WARD AND HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & CO. All rights reserved. The Riverside Press, Cambridge, Mass., U. S. A. Electrotyped and Printed by H. O. Houghton & Co. THE SUPPLY AT SAINT AGATHA'S. At the crossing of the old avenue with the stream of present traffic, in a city which, for obvious reasons, will not be identified by the writer of these pages, there stood and still stands the Church of Saint Agatha's. The church is not without a history, chiefly such as fashion and sect combine to record. It is an eminent church, with a stately date upon its foundation stone, and a pew list unsurpassed for certain qualities among the worshipers of the Eastern States. Saint Agatha's has long been distinguished for three things, its money, its music, and its soundness. When the tax list of the town is printed in the daily papers once a year, the wardens and the leading parishioners of Saint Agatha's stand far upwards in the score, and their names are traced by slow, grimy fingers of mechanics and strikers and socialists laboriously reading on Saturday nights... Continue reading book >>

The Supply at Saint Agatha's By: Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (1844-1911)

The Supply at Saint Agatha's by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of sacrifice, gender roles, and the power of education. Set in a small New England town during the late 19th century, the story follows the lives of a group of women at Saint Agatha's School for Girls, where they not only receive an education, but also learn valuable life lessons about self-discovery and independence.

One of the main strengths of Phelps' writing is her ability to create relatable and complex characters. Each woman at Saint Agatha's has her own unique backstory and struggles, ranging from societal expectations to personal traumas. Through their experiences, Phelps challenges the traditional gender roles enforced during that time period, showcasing the women's resilience and determination to pursue their passions and dreams.

Phelps also highlights the importance of education as a means of empowerment. The girls at Saint Agatha's are given the opportunity to learn various subjects that were often reserved for men, such as science and mathematics. The author's emphasis on education as a tool for social progress is both inspiring and relevant even today.

The novel's exploration of sacrifice is another noteworthy aspect. Throughout the story, the characters are faced with difficult choices that require them to choose between personal happiness and the greater good. These moral dilemmas add depth to the narrative, forcing readers to reflect on their own values and priorities.

The Supply at Saint Agatha's is not without its flaws, however. The pacing of the plot can be slow at times, with certain scenes feeling unnecessarily prolonged. Additionally, some readers may find Phelps' prose to be overly sentimental, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

Despite these minor shortcomings, The Supply at Saint Agatha's remains a compelling read that sheds light on important social issues. Phelps' vivid descriptions of the New England setting transport readers to a bygone era, immersing them in a world where the fight for gender equality was just beginning to take shape.

Overall, The Supply at Saint Agatha's is a noteworthy novel that tackles significant themes with sensitivity and depth. Phelps' ability to create memorable characters and weave together poignant storylines makes this book a must-read for those interested in feminist literature and the power of education.

First Page:

[Frontispiece: " The kneeling people lifted their wet faces ... But the chancel was empty "]

THE

SUPPLY AT SAINT AGATHA'S

ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

E. BOYD SMITH AND MARCIA OAKES WOODBURY

BOSTON AND NEW YORK

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY

The Riverside Press, Cambridge

1896

BY ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS WARD AND

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN & CO.

The Riverside Press, Cambridge, Mass., U. S. A.

Electrotyped and Printed by H. O. Houghton & Co.

THE SUPPLY AT SAINT AGATHA'S.

At the crossing of the old avenue with the stream of present traffic, in a city which, for obvious reasons, will not be identified by the writer of these pages, there stood and still stands the Church of Saint Agatha's.

The church is not without a history, chiefly such as fashion and sect combine to record. It is an eminent church, with a stately date upon its foundation stone, and a pew list unsurpassed for certain qualities among the worshipers of the Eastern States. Saint Agatha's has long been distinguished for three things, its money, its music, and its soundness.

When the tax list of the town is printed in the daily papers once a year, the wardens and the leading parishioners of Saint Agatha's stand far upwards in the score, and their names are traced by slow, grimy fingers of mechanics and strikers and socialists laboriously reading on Saturday nights... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
Wikipedia – The Supply at Saint Agatha's

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac