"Old Woman Magoun"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the book "Old Woman Magoun" written by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman. The paper describes how the title character of the old woman is presented to the reader in ever deepening layers, not allowing for her true self to be revealed. The paper examines how the old woman develops throughout the story and shows that she is in fact a caring person and she has aspects of her personality that nobody knew existed, such as her side of extreme maternal protectiveness.

From the Paper:

"Early on, Freeman gives the reader hints as to what type of person Old Woman Magoun is. In describing Ms. Magoun, Freeman gives the reader a picture of how big she is physically with phrases such as "She spread her strong arms like wings..." (Freeman 207). In addition to the physical strength of Old Woman Magoun, Freeman gives us a great idea of how mentally strong Old Woman Magoun is the issue of how people react to Ms. Magoun's actions, especially men, is brought to the forefront. The following phrase is a great example of this: "The men cowered visibly..." (207) The fact that she is outspoken and unafraid of what people think is characteristic of Old Woman Magoun's mentality and shows us a lot about the character. These elements of her personality are things that help set the stage for Old Woman Magoun to break out of her shell of being a cold, tough person, and develop into a more passionate person who isn't afraid to wear her emotions on her sleeve. "

More papers on "Old Woman Magoun":

• Book Review # 75357 : "J. Joseph's "When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple"
• Book Review # 105618 : "Velma Wallis' "Two Old Women"
• Analytical Essay # 16565 : "May Swenson's "Pigeon Woman"

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