The New Instructive History Of Miss Patty Proud

While it might seem difficult to find a common connection between the works in this varied genre, one thing that all of these texts have in common is the desire to better their readers through information. From the folk tales to the religious instruction, each one of the texts has an intellectual tone. There is no collective or specific position found among all of the texts, they all lead to the same idea that children should take in the information, and use it to become better and more intelligent citizens. Looking more closely at three specific works, readers will gain a better understanding of the content found within children's literature, and the ways that authors went about portraying their individual messages. It is also important to
As seen on page 1, the primary goal he is trying to accomplish is “the ufe of reading is to make you wifer and better" (Babcock 1). Before any children even get to the first chapter, the author is telling them that what is found with in his book will be useful and helpful to them in their day-to-day lives. Then, as readers and the intended small children delve into the actual content of the story, and through a small chapter book interspersed with illustrations, they learn about a terribly proud and vastly terrible young girl named Patty, who “was defpifed by all the fchollers, and as she would not fpeak to those fhe thought beneath her” (Babcock 11). Throughout the rest of the story, readers are treated to example after example of the horrible nature of Miss Patty, accumulating in a satisfying finish where karma takes over and Miss Patty is forcibly humbled. Not only is a clear picture of undesirable behavior modeled, but alongside is the clear warning that the whole Proud family was ruined because “this high manner of living had been their deftruction” (Babcock 27). By telling a story about a small child and the consequences of their actions, Babcock is able to use this cautionary tale to relate his characters to his intended audience, and the children who read it learn
One of the main reasons for teaching children and adults of that age to read, was so that they could read the Bible, and other religious texts. In 1773 for example, William Adams wrote Pastoral Advice to Young Persons Before Confirmation to do exactly as the title might suggest. Religion is today, and was back in the Romantic Period, a very important part of some peoples lives, and it seems to be a very important topic to tackle in a children's book. Adams takes a serious tone that surpasses even the informative language of Barbauld seen above. However, Adams explains this within his text, giving not just his children readers, but current day readers an understanding of the importance of his work. By writing this book, “Religion trains up her fons, by exercife and diligence, to wisdom and virtue” (Adams 12). Throughout the twenty-two page book, the basics, and importance of the Christian gospel is shared. The basics of belief and the importance of belief is laid out simple and directly, explaining what they need to understand before going into Confirmation in an easy manner for young children to follow. “Prayers for Young Persons,” is a good example of simple prayers that any child could learn and recite, giving them a base on which to build their spiritual lives (Adams