The Melting of Molly

"The Melting of Molly" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a story from a time gone by, telling about Molly, a woman who lost her husband and is now trying to understand her feelings and what society expects from her. It looks at ideas such as love, how we see ourselves, and trying to be free, all while dealing with what people around her think. At the beginning, we see that Molly has a bright personality but doesn't feel good about herself, especially how she looks. Then, a letter comes from Alfred Bennett, someone she used to love, who is coming back to tell her he still cares for her after being away. While she thinks about what has happened and what is happening, she thinks funny and sad thoughts about her garden, talking to her son Billy, and her friendship with Dr. John, who is her doctor. By hearing her inner thoughts, we learn about Molly, what she hopes for, and how she wants to be who she once was, as well as how complicated it is to be connected to others in life.