Aunt Crete's Emancipation

"Aunt Crete's Emancipation" by Grace Livingston Hill is a story from the early 1900s that centers around Aunt Crete, a kind woman whose quiet existence is shaken up by her cousin Donald Grant's unexpected arrival. The story looks at themes of family relationships, what society expects of people, and personal growth, as Aunt Crete breaks free from her self-made constraints and welcomes new adventures with Donald. As the story begins, we meet Aunt Crete and her bossy relatives, Luella and her mother, who are unhappy about Donald's visit. While they run off to the beach to avoid their Western cousin, Aunt Crete is happy and hopeful about his impending visit. The contrast between their desire to escape and Aunt Crete's secret anticipation emphasizes the different attitudes within the family. Aunt Crete, usually the unappreciated family member, sees a chance for a better life and starts dreaming of a life beyond her ordinary duties. This beginning hints at Aunt Crete's upcoming transformation as she decides to pursue her own happiness, going against what her family wants.