Short Fiction · Chapter
The Widow's Mite explained
During the cotton famine, the Granger family debates charity.
What happens
During the cotton famine, the Granger family debates charity. Nora Field, engaged to Frederic F. Frew, decides to forgo a lavish wedding and marry in her ordinary clothes, donating the saved money to the relief fund. The wedding proceeds simply, with family and friends supporting her sacrifice.
Themes in this chapter
Economic Hardship and Charity
The chapter centers on the cotton famine and the moral imperative to give, with Nora's sacrifice exemplifying personal charity.
Love and Marriage
Nora and Fred's wedding is a central plot point, highlighting love and the decision to marry without extravagance.
Morality and Hypocrisy
The debate over charity and Nora's genuine sacrifice contrast with societal expectations of wedding finery.
Characters to notice
- Nora Field
Engaged to Frederic F. Frew; decides to sacrifice her wedding finery for charity.
- Frederic Frew
American fiancé of Nora; supports her decision to marry simply.
- Mr. Grimes
Rector of Plumstock; chairman of relief committee; tirelessly begs for alms.
- Charles Burnaby Jones
Elder son of Mr. Granger; Oxford student; participates in charity debate.
- Bob Granger
Younger son; merchant in Liverpool; argues for national sacrifice to aid the poor.
Key passages
“But I'm not a widow, and I haven't got two mites.”
Nora objects that she is not a widow and has no small coins to give.
Nora's initial resistance to the idea of sacrifice.
“I've made a calculation, and I find that if everybody in England would give up their Christmas dinner... the saving would amount to two millions and a half.”
Bob calculates that if everyone skipped Christmas dinner, the savings would be huge.
Bob's statistical argument for national charity.
“I'll marry you on Monday, the 12th of January, if you'll take me just as I am now; with a bonnet on, and a shawl over my dress, exactly as I walked out with you before dinner.”
Nora proposes to marry Fred in her everyday clothes, without any special wedding attire.
Nora's radical decision to sacrifice her wedding finery.
“It will not be a quarter of a mite. How can it be anything if I get you!”
Nora says her sacrifice is nothing compared to gaining Fred.
Nora's romantic justification for her choice.
“Sensible girl. When you're married, if ever you are, I hope you'll do the same.”
Old Foster approves of Nora's frugal wedding, hoping his own daughters will follow suit.
A voice of approval for Nora's sacrifice.