11 Questions
Why does Mrs. Thompson initially ask her husband to get rid of Maggie?
She felt Maggie was a burden
Why did Mrs. Thompson's heart start to melt a little for Maggie?
Maggie's innocence and condition touched her heart
What decision does Joe make regarding Maggie after initially planning to send her to the poor house?
To keep Maggie for a few more days
How does Mrs. Thompson's attitude towards Maggie change over time?
She starts to show care and love towards Maggie
What role does unconditional love play in the story?
It helps bridge the gap in Mrs. Thompson's heart
Why did the villagers arrange a proper funeral for the unidentified poor woman?
They felt sympathetic towards her death.
Why did Mrs. Ellis adopt Kate begrudgingly?
Kate was too old to work in any factory.
Why was Maggie permanently bed-ridden?
She fell from a window and damaged her spine at a very young age.
Why did everyone suggest sending Maggie to the poor house?
Because she was a burden on the community.
Why did Joe Thompson decide to carry Maggie to his home?
He felt sorry for Maggie's situation.
What kind of work does Joe Thompson do in the village?
Woodworking
Study Notes
The Story of Maggie
- A poor woman dies due to excessive alcohol consumption, and the villagers, who had outcast her, arrange a proper funeral for her.
- The woman had three children: John, Kate, and Maggie, who were left without a caregiver.
- John, the eldest, is adopted by a farmer, and Kate is adopted by Mrs. Elli, who complains about her being undisciplined.
- Maggie, the youngest, is left alone due to her poor health, having fallen from a window at a young age, damaging her spine, and becoming permanently bed-ridden.
Joe Thompson's Kindness
- Joe Thompson, a wheelwright, is the only villager who lingers after the funeral and shows kindness to Maggie.
- Joe and his wife, Jane, are incapable of having children, but he is fond of kids and decides to take Maggie home.
- Jane is initially unhappy to see Maggie, but Joe asks her to put aside her bitterness and show compassion.
Maggie's New Family
- Jane's heart eventually melts for Maggie, and she begins to care for her.
- Joe notices his wife's change of heart and decides not to send Maggie to the poorhouse.
- Maggie's innocence, sweetness, and gratitude fill the gap in Jane's heart, and they decide to keep her as a part of their family.
- In the end, Maggie remains with Joe and Jane, and they become a family.
Summary of the heartwarming story of a little girl, Maggie, and the villagers' reaction to the death of a poor woman with three children. The community shows sympathy towards the family and helps in unexpected ways.
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