The White Shield

"The White Shield" by Myrtle Reed is a compilation of tales from the beginning of the 1900s that highlights the author's skill in mixing emotion and wit to examine themes of love, art, and what it means to be human. At the heart of these narratives are characters wrestling with their feelings and goals, like the artist Joe Hayward, whose path to finding himself happens alongside his romantic relationships. The first story, "The White Shield," introduces Joe Hayward, a hardworking but struggling artist, as he gets ready for his first show. Even though he has worked hard and has big goals, he feels like his art is missing something important. The story changes when he meets Constance Grey, a charming woman who is honest about what she thinks of his artwork. As the story goes between times of thinking and times of celebration, and as Joe and Constance become closer, the story starts to explore how love and art can be complicated. Through their connection, Reed sets the stage to explore the link between being happy and having high hopes for love.