Summary Of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman's A New England Nun

“A New England Nun” Analysis Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s “A New England Nun” explores the everyday life of Louisa, a woman who had been left behind by her fiancée for fourteen years as he went to Australia to become financially stable enough to support their marriage. During these fourteen years, the reader is informed that Louisa’s family had passed away at some point. This left her completely alone. Despite this, it becomes quite clear that Louisa has grown accustomed to an independent lifestyle early in the passage. The reader finds that Louisa seemingly enjoys doing her housework; however, it also becomes apparent that she is rather particular about each task. This is confronted as Joe, her fiancée, returns and her entire routine is disrupted as they visit. Joe does not seem to be the most comfortable in her home, noticing her preciseness in the organization of her home, as well as how she moves about and acts. On the other hand, Louisa does not seem comfortable with marrying Joe, which would ultimately unite their lifestyles and bring change to the routine she has been completing for fourteen years. Still, Louisa promised that she would marry Joe and the two continue to prepare for their wedding. Throughout the weeks, Louisa prepares her wedding attire, on top of completing all her other tasks; however, upon overhearing a conversation between Joe and Lily, his mother’s caretaker, she realizes the two have become close and have developed feelings for one another, and she quickly resumes her routine without working on her wedding clothes. During his next visit, she chooses to subtly break off their engagement without confrontation, and the two part
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Kennedy, Brittany. "A New England Nun by Mary E. Wilkins: Analysis." Letter Pile, Hub Pages, 10 May 2016,
Lauter, Paul, et al. The Heath anthology of American literature. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Co.,