Double Address in Maria Edgeworth's Literature

Paper Summary:

The paper shows that as can be demonstrated through "Lazy Lawrence" and "The Birthday Present," Maria Edgeworth's stories are carefully designed to appeal to the child reader, and teach them morals. However, a "double address" is also highly evident at frequent intervals, in which the adult, or more specifically the parent, is also confronted by certain ideology. The paper examines that despite this dual appeal to both child and adult, it is clear that the child is Edgeworth's most significant target audience, through the constant attempt to fully involve the child in the text. The essay also explores the moral lessons of these stories.

From the Paper:

"The terms in which the stories are written are a significant factor defining children as the most important audience in the two stories. In both it is apparent that the world in which the protagonists' operate is that recognizable by the child. All aspects of the texts are chosen so as to enhance the child's understanding of a situation, in order to convey the more complicated moral at hand. In Lazy Lawrence when Jem works to save money it is triggered by the threat of the loss of his horse, a dearly beloved pet that could be exchanged in any child's mind with a sentimentally precious toy or animal. Understanding the significance of such a loss, the child follows eagerly the story, already in support of Jem's brave, industrious spirit."

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• Analytical Essay # 106547 : "The Works of Maria Edgeworth"

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