The Portion of Labor

"The Portion of Labor" by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman is a story set in the early 1900's of Ellen Brewster, a young woman who feels unloved in her home. Burdened by the emotional storms of her family, including her parents and aunt, she navigates feelings of both affection and isolation, leading her to run away. The book opens by showcasing Ellen's imaginative spirit and her relationships with her mother, Fanny, and grandmother, Mrs. Zelotes Brewster. Escalating arguments between her parents create an environment where Ellen believes she doesn't belong. Feeling unwanted, she runs, torn between love for her family and a feeling of being a burden. The narrative shows themes of family bonds, societal norms, and identity as Ellen grows and matures.