The Woman Who Dared

"The Woman Who Dared" by Epes Sargent is a story set in the 1800's about a girl named Linda who the reader is introduced to as she grows up in a family that is full of love and raised on her parent's strong beliefs. The story hints at themes of love and having the ability to make decisions for one's self, as well as the challenges women face in a world run by men, while also following Linda as she becomes an adult. The novel starts by showing Linda and her parents, Percival and Mary, who find joy in their modest but happy life with their only daughter, Linda. Percival cares deeply about Linda's education and character, even though they have been through hard times, he is full of happiness for his daughter. The story also touches on the pain of losing loved ones and having to deal with the joy that Linda brings her parents, despite the loss that they've gone through. The chapter ends with Percival thinking about what he wants for Linda as she grows up, and hints that she may have to face hard choices because of the limited options that women have in society.