“A Mother in Mannville” by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings “I don’t understand. He has no mother …”
Themes and Ideas:
Themes and Ideas Realism, but with an imaginary setting, establishes the universality of the author’s message and ideas. Desire for a close relationship with others is a common trait. Sometimes people choose to be less than honest in order to protect themselves, their independence, or sense of self worth. Self-reliance and responsibility are traits to be admired.
Setting:
Setting The imaginary city of Mannville is located in the mountains of the state of North Carolina. The major city located in that area of mountains, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is Asheville, NC. (Is the similarity between the names a coincidence?)
The real thing; Looking Glass Rock, 18 miles outside of Asheville:
The real thing; Looking Glass Rock, 18 miles outside of Asheville
Setting:
Setting “The orphanage is high in the Carolina mountains.”
Setting; specific locations:
Setting; specific locations Most of the action of the story takes place in or near a rustic cabin, located in a remote section of the mountain wilderness. Streams, mountain laurel, and the backdrop of the mountain vistas provide a sense of isolation and beauty.
Setting; details/time:
Setting; details/time “… late spring … rhododendron and laurel in bloom … pink and white.”
The real thing; campsite along stream in Shining Rock Wilderness.:
The real thing; campsite along stream in Shining Rock Wilderness.
A North Carolina freestone mountain stream; water is life.:
A North Carolina freestone mountain stream; water is life.
The real thing; Middle Prong of the East Fork of the Pigeon River.:
The real thing; Middle Prong of the East Fork of the Pigeon River.
The mountain stream; purity and clarity are its hallmarks.:
The mountain stream; purity and clarity are its hallmarks. “Integrity … possesses it with the