Gene Stratton-porter

Like all of Gene Stratton-Porter's books, Freckles is beautifully written. One of the tests of good literature is whether it makes us think about important issues while enjoying the elements of the text, and Gene Stratton-Porter accomplishes just that in Freckles. Like "A Girl of Limberlost," Freckles is a product of Stratton-Porter's own life and the times in which she lived. There were class differences in the early 1900's, and it was challenging for 'low-born' people to believe they could rise above that. They didn't have our modern-day notion of arrogance and independence. This is why Freckles has historical value in addition to its literary content and unique storylines.Freckles is a great role model for boys and girls alike, and is so humble! He will not let the "Swamp Angel" marry him, because he has only one hand, is an orphan, and has no knowledge of "honorable birth" which he thinks is very important. While it is true that the rich characters in Freckles looked down on others and that humble folk always respected the rich people, those were the attitudes and behavior of people in the times in which the book was written. In regards to Freckles always believing bad about himself, he did so because he had no way of knowing who he really was, so he assumed the worst--many people do that. This attitude is called "determinism," which is basically the belief that people cannot rise above their background, heritage, circumstances, or physical conditions--that they are helpless to change their circumstances and lot in life. Determinism was a major concern in the works of many authors of Gene Stratton Porter's time period, who were seeking to challenge the set social classes and attitudes and forge new identities.