Tales and Novels — Volume 10 Helen

"Tales and Novels — Volume 10" by Maria Edgeworth is a story set in the 1800s about a young woman named Helen who lost her uncle and loved him dearly. The story focuses on Helen as she struggles with sadness and the shock of being alone while also learning that her family is having money problems. With the help of her new friends, Mr. and Mrs. Collingwood, Helen deals with themes of love, grief, being on her own, and what society expects from her as her life changes. We meet Helen as she is walking slowly in sadness because her beloved uncle died, then Mr. and Mrs. Collingwood talk about how worried they are for her. The story then goes back and tells us about Helen's life growing up as a wealthy heiress. As we read, Helen begins to understand that her uncle was in debt. Helen shows her strength by deciding she wants to live on her own and figuring out what she wants in life now that her social status has changed.