Nancy Yare

The character of Nancy really stood out to me during the story because of the way she redefines girls in 19^th century literature. Nancy is part of the Yares family, who is described as having “peculiar low voices” and being “the poorest of the poor” (258). Nancy however, stands out from past girl characters that we had read so far. The widow took “little interest in the gaunt, silent Nancy,” but Nancy, we soon find out, is not a typical girl that makes toast for her mother (261).

Nancy turns all of the theories of what little girls were supposed to be like during this time on its head. Her mother says that “one day Nancy was dumb all day—not a word” and then goes to describe how Nancy was so quiet because she had an idea to build a house for her brothers (263). Nancy followed through with her idea though, and built a cabin in three days. Davis acknowledges what the reader’s reaction was probably like at this time and says, “yes, it seems impossible for a woman” (263).

The hard labor and endurance that Nancy demonstrated by building this house for her brothers shows the drive that women have during this time to be seen as equals. Davis uses Nancy as a “vessel” as well, in order to push women and girls during the 19^th century to be proactive, instead of sitting at home wondering what is going on with the war. Nancy’s idea was groundbreaking, which gives an example to the female audience that women can have good ideas and can even implement them. Capitola and Nancy both defy what authority tells them is proper and make a difference in their lives, rather than feel sorry for themselves.