The Daisy Chain, or Aspirations by Charlotte M. Yonge

“The Daisy Chain, or Aspirations”

is a novel by Charlotte M. Yonge, first published in 1856. It tells the story of a large and happy family, the Maynards, who live in the fictional English village of St. Mildred’s. The novel follows the lives of the Maynard children, particularly the eldest daughter, Ethel, as they grow up, face challenges, and learn important life lessons.

The novel is notable for its portrayal of Victorian family life, with its emphasis on domesticity, morality, and religion. The Maynard family is presented as a model of Christian virtue and family values, and the novel celebrates the joys and challenges of family life. However, it also explores the darker side of Victorian society, including the rigid social hierarchies, the restrictions placed on women, and the harsh realities of poverty and illness.

The character of Ethel Maynard is the heart of the novel, and she is presented as a model of feminine virtue and Christian piety. Ethel is intelligent, caring, and kind-hearted, and she devotes herself to caring for her younger siblings and to doing good in the world. However, she also faces significant challenges, including the loss of her mother, the illness of her father, and the pressures of growing up in a society that places strict limits on women’s opportunities and aspirations.

As the novel progresses, Ethel’s character evolves, and she begins to question some of the assumptions and expectations placed on her as a woman. She becomes involved in philanthropic work and begins to explore her own talents and interests. However, she also faces criticism and opposition from those who believe that a woman’s place is in the home.

Throughout the novel, Yonge explores important themes such as the nature of family, the role of women in society, and the importance of moral and religious values. She also provides vivid descriptions of life in a Victorian village, with its customs, rituals, and social interactions.

“The Daisy Chain, or Aspirations” was enormously popular when it was first published, and it remains an important work of Victorian literature today. It is a novel that celebrates the joys and challenges of family life, while also exploring important issues related to gender, class, and religion. It is a novel that speaks to the enduring human desire for connection, meaning, and purpose in life, and it remains a powerful statement on the importance of family, faith, and moral values in the modern world.