Fanny, with Other Poems

"Fanny, with Other Poems" by Fitz-Greene Halleck is an anthology that includes "Fanny," a poem that introduces the reader to a young woman whose life is intertwined with her father's ascent in New York society. "Fanny" begins by painting a picture of the protagonist, examining her beauty, age, dreams, and the changing social status of her family. The poem follows Fanny as she navigates a world where her father transforms from a modest shopkeeper to a wealthy and influential figure. Fanny envisions a glamorous future, but her desires are complicated by societal pressures and ambitious goals that set a bittersweet and thoughtful tone. This builds the groundwork for an exploration of dreams, internal conflict, and the effect of society on who we are.