Daisy's Necklace, and What Came of It

"Daisy's Necklace, and What Came of It" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a literary episode that was written in the late 19th century. This work combines elements of fiction with a wry commentary on the nature of writing and the literary world, exploring the lives of various characters intertwined with the protagonist, Mortimer, who aspires to be an author. Central to the narrative are the themes of ambition, unfulfilled dreams, and the complications of human relationships, exemplified through characters like Daisy Snarle and her family. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Mortimer, who is determined to write a novel, seeking solitude to pursue his literary ambitions while enduring the dismissive attitudes of those around him. As he contemplates life through the window of his room, the narrative shifts focus to the interactions and backstory of past events involving his friend Barescythe and the implications of writing and critique, blending introspection with humor. Simultaneously, we are introduced to the idyllic and poignant world of young Bell and Mortimer, hinting at their longing for their father and setting a tone of nostalgia and loss. This mix of whimsical childlike reflection and serious adult concerns suggests a nuanced exploration of the intersections between youthful dreams and adult realities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Bailey Aldrich was an American writer, poet, critic, and editor. He is notable for his long editorship of The Atlantic Monthly, during which he published writers including Charles W. Chesnutt. He was also known for his semi-autobiographical book The Story of a Bad Boy, which established the "bad boy's book" subgenre in nineteenth-century American literature, and for his poetry.