Hopes and Fears or, scenes from the life of a spinster

"Hopes and Fears" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a tale set in the 1800s. It follows Honora Charlecote, a young, single woman, as she deals with what is expected of her, her love life, and her dreams, all while watching her cousins and their relationships. The story looks at the sacrifices people make and the tough choices women had to make back then, mixing Honora's goals with the clashing wants and responsibilities of those close to her. The story starts by showing Honora thinking about her life in London and at her family's estate. She's caring and kind, spends time helping others, and thinks highly of her cousin Owen, who wants to work with Native people. Honora also spends time with her cousin Humfrey, and though they are starting to fall for each other, she doesn't want to admit it because she thinks so highly of Owen's willingness to help others. By showing her commitments to family and her own dreams, the story creates a mood of deep thought and complicated emotions, capturing the difficulties women had to overcome at this time.