The Shield of Love

"The Shield of Love" by B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon is a tale set in times past, showing us the life of Charlotte Fox- Cordery, an endearing underdog living under the thumb of her cruel mother and brother. The story looks closely at the strength of love, the barriers set by society, and how tough it can be to stand tall when family holds you back, especially as Charlotte hopes for a brighter tomorrow with John Dixon. Early on, we meet Charlotte and her brother, a man wrapped up in himself, living large while his sister toils away. This sets the scene for Charlotte's role in the family, much like Cinderella, where she's stuck with hard work and little kindness. We get a glimpse into her past, from happy times with her father to the heavy weight of her mother's rules and the dullness of her everyday life. Even with all this, Charlotte's kind heart and hopeful attitude sparkle as she falls for John Dixon, which pushes her to find her own voice and fight for the loving life she dreams of, even when things are tough.