Mary Martha Sherwood

Imagine a world where stories could shape young minds, guide them through life’s challenges, and instill values that would last a lifetime. This is exactly what Mary Martha Sherwood did in the 19th century. Born into a family of modest means, she faced early hardships but found solace and purpose in her faith and writing.

Early Life and Education

Mary Martha Sherwood was born on May 6, 1775, in Stanford-on-Teme, Worcestershire. Her father, Reverend George Butt, encouraged her intellectual growth from an early age. Despite the strict discipline of wearing iron collars for lessons, she found a way to thrive and eventually attended Madame St. Quentin’s School for Girls. Here, she socialized with notable figures like Erasmus Darwin and Anna Seward, but her family’s lack of faith troubled her deeply.

Conversion and Early Writing

After her father’s death, the family moved to Bridgnorth, Shropshire, where Mary began writing sentimental novels. Her conversion to evangelical Christianity was a turning point in her life. Influenced by a chaplain who showed her ‘human depravity,’ she adopted neglected or orphaned children and founded an orphanage. Her first published story came at the age of 17, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would span over three decades.

Career and Themes

Mary’s career can be divided into three periods: romantic (1795-1805), evangelical (1810-c. 1830), and post-evangelical (c. 1830-1851). Her works often explored themes of human corruption, literature’s catechetical utility, family life reflecting Christian principles, and anti-Catholicism. She was well-received in Britain and the United States but fell from favor as children’s literature broadened.

The Fairchild Family

One of her most famous works is The History of the Fairchild Family. This novel represents divine order through family relationships, emphasizing the importance of family bonds. The narrative includes tract-like stories that illustrate moral lessons, such as the deaths of two neighborhood children, Charles Trueman and Miss Augusta Noble. Unlike previous allegorical literature, Sherwood domesticated her story with actions in the children’s day-to-day lives, making it relatable yet instructive.

Evangelical Influence

Mary’s early works emphasize recognition of innate ‘depravity’ and preparation for eternity. Her main themes focus on faith, resignation, and implicit obedience to God’s will. She adapted John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress with the allegory of original sin as a child named In-bred Sin. Her novels, such as The History of Henry Milner and The Lady of the Manor, share similarities with French writers like Madame de Genlis but often depict a distrust of parents.

Later Works and Legacy

By 1830, Sherwood’s works had shifted to more conventional Victorian plots and themes. Her writings on India reveal her sense of superiority over the inhabitants, portraying the subcontinent as morally corrupt in need of reformation. While her anti-Catholicism appears most obviously in her works from the 1820s and 1830s, she also developed the ideology of the Victorian family and influenced writers such as Charlotte Maria Tucker, Rudyard Kipling, Charles Kingsley, and John Ruskin.

Her influence on domestic life during the Victorian period is significant. Her books continue to be studied by scholars today, offering insights into the cultural and religious landscape of 19th-century England. Despite changing societal values, The Fairchild Family remained in print until 1913, influencing generations of young readers.

Mary Martha Sherwood’s legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling. Through her writings, she not only shaped young minds but also left an indelible mark on literature and culture. Her life and works continue to inspire us with their depth and complexity.