The Terrible Twins

"The Terrible Twins" by Edgar Jepson is an early 20th-century children's story about the lively twins, Violet Anastasia and Hyacinth Wolfram Dangerfield, whose quest to create a sanctuary for cats turns into a series of spirited escapades. Driven by their yearning for freedom and self-reliance, the twins' schemes are complicated by the possibility of their mother remarrying. The story begins by showing the twins' competitive nature, especially exhibited by how accurate their stone throwing is, demonstrating a playful rivalry between them and those around them. The possibility of their mother's marriage to Captain Baster pushes them to cleverly protect their family even as they pursue their aspiration of making a cats’ home, which raises thoughtful ideas about growing up, resourcefulness, and the bonds of family and friendship.