“The Tenth of January” by Elizabeth Phelps contains a few symbols of the times. First, Phelps personal experience had a big influence in writing this story. Her other stories and novels have similar themes such as mistreatment of women. In the “the Tenth of January”, Phelps tells a story about a mill accident in which hundreds of young women died. In this story, the character of Asenath represents women in general at that time. It was not uncommon for women to work in mills at that time, and Phelps paints Asenath’s mother as an abuser. In this case, I think the mother represents capitalist exploitation in America in the nineteenth century. Phelps specifically mentions Asenath having a scar from her mother, equivalent to young women being scarred by the capitalist system in place at the time. Del Ivory is described as being the pretty girl who “everyone wants to marry.” She also represents America at this time because she looks pretty on the outside but inside she is full of problems. At this time America was very appealing to foriegners in Europe looking to start a new life and the American Dream. However, once they arrived, many found out that America was not always as great as others said. In short, it is clear that Phelps’ characters symbolize the bigger picture in America at the time.
Adam, I believe your post truly reflects that you took the time to fully understand and analyze the content presented in "The Tenth of January." At first glance I would like to know what personal experience Phelps has that influences her writing so much. I do like how you connected Asenath's mother with capitalist exploitation. Also, your discussion of the American dream resembling Del Ivory (pretty on the inside, full of problems inside) is very clear. Good job.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Mueller