Fern Leaves from Fanny's Port-folio. Second Series

"Fern Leaves from Fanny's Portfolio: Second Series" by Fanny Fern is a set of writings that looks at life, love, and how people were expected to act in the 1800s. It's told through stories and thoughts. The book starts with a young woman named Hetty, who's trying to figure out her life after her dad passes away. It touches on how she feels about being dependent on others and finding herself within her family. The beginning shows Hetty's happy memories of her dad and their home, but now she's struggling as an orphan, relying on relatives who see her as a bother. After being taken in by her aunt and uncle, she deals with feeling like she's not good enough and the pressure of what society wants from women, while also wanting to learn and be her own person. Big moments in the story show how complicated her family life is, especially as she gets ready for her new role in the house including a schoolteacher named Mr. Grey. This situation shapes how Hetty sees herself and where she fits in a tough world.