The Hickory Limb

"The Hickory Limb" by Parker Fillmore is a tale from the early 1900s focused on growing up, expectations based on gender, and breaking away from what's expected. It tells the story of Margery Blair, a lively girl, and how she deals with the limits put on her in a traditional community. Margery, wanting to show who she is, goes on an adventure and goes swimming with boys, which was not considered proper; this causes immediate reactions with her siblings and friends. Even though Margery enjoys swimming, she is soon scolded for what she did by those around her. As the story moves forward, the reader gets to see Margery change as she handles who she is and what happens because of her actions. The story ends with Margery making amends with her father. The narrative emphasizes the challenges of being pressured by society all the while highlighting the pureness of youth and the importance of family.