033 - Chapter 33

In this captivating exploration of late 19th-century life, Canadian author Sara Jeannette Duncan—known by her pen name Mrs. Everard Cotes—delves into the complexities of a young womans quest for identity in her novel A Daughter of Today, published in 1894. The story follows Elfrida Bell, who bravely leaves the familiar confines of the American Midwest to seek an artistic education in Paris, and later, a budding career in journalism in London. As Elfrida embodies the spirit of her time—the 1890s—she navigates the vibrant currents of Aestheticism, fin-de-siècle Decadence, and the ideals of the New Woman, challenging societal norms with youthful ambition. Yet, as she attempts to craft her own identity, the line between aspiration and pretension blurs. Critics of her day debated whether Elfridas character was a refreshing embodiment of originality or merely a reflection of poor breeding. This novel intricately examines the tensions between tradition and innovation, cultural contrasts, and the rivalry among friends. - Summary by Bruce Pirie