An Arrow in a Sunbeam, and Other Tales

"An Arrow in a Sunbeam, and Other Tales" by Sarah Orne Jewett is a compilation of stories from the late 1800s that looks at topics such as kindness, difficulties in society, and what it means to be human, while showing characters dealing with life's tough spots with strength. Readers should expect stories with sad but also happy moments. The first story, "An Arrow in a Sunbeam," tells about a minister who is thoughtful and notices an old widow at his church. He wants to know more about her, so he learns she is poor but stays strong even when things are hard. He feels touched and sends two energetic young women to see her, but this leads to a misunderstanding, showing how delicate charity and pride can be. This beginning sets the stage for talking about social topics and the importance of real kindness that is found throughout the collection.