The Wide, Wide World

Today we discussed the variety of ways Warner's The Wide, Wide World works to instruct its readers. In our excellent discussion, we glossed over the role of parents (Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, primarily) in the text to further discuss the children (poor little Ellen). I'd like to propose this week's blog posting as a time to more fully consider the parents in The Wide, Wide World.

In your blog posting, please consider the following questions, always using a close reading of textual evidence to support your ideas:
*How does the text encourage us to view the role of "parents"? You can consider this term loosely, including any character who may seem "parental."
*How does the text differentiate between the roles of mothers versus fathers? How do we know? Answering this question may involve reading "between the lines," for we rarely see Mr. Montgomery.
*Finally, how do you think Ellen perceives her parents? What kind of role does she expect each of them to play in her life? Again, make sure you read the text closely to support your answers/ideas.

Remember that your blog posting is due by 9 AM on Thursday, January 28. Your 3 comments on your peers' blogs are due by 5 PM on Friday, January 29.