Medoline Selwyn's Work

"Medoline Selwyn's Work" by J. J. Colter is a 19th-century story that follows Medoline Selwyn, a young woman transitioning from a European boarding school to America, where she lives with her appointed guardian, Mr. Winthrop, facing the trials of her displacement. The story follows Medoline’s emotional navigation of her new life as she builds unexpected friendships across different levels of society. Her journey from the vulnerable girl on the train, reflecting on her deceased parents, to an empathetic young woman, highlights her compassionate character as she begins to care and support those around her, especially her growing empathy for the struggles of others. The story presents Medoline's growth, moral choices, and the merging of her identity with her interactions across social classes.