The Story of Bessie Costrell (eBook)

Humphry Mrs. Ward, born Mary Augusta Arnold on June 11, 1851, in Tasmania, was a prominent English novelist of the Victorian era. Known by her married name rather than her birth name, she gained widespread fame as a highly successful writer. Her narrative artistry was rooted in the thoughtful exploration of social, religious, and political issues, which she weaved seamlessly into complex, character-driven novels. Her work often reflected her keen interest in the intellectual and cultural debates of her time, particularly in the realm of women's education and the role of religion in public life. One of her notable works, 'The Story of Bessie Costrell', exemplifies her literary style – a poignant, realistic portrayal of individual struggles and moral complexities. As the grand-niece of the renowned poet Matthew Arnold and the sister of the literary scholar Thomas Arnold, Mrs. Ward was steeped in a milieu of literary and intellectual tradition, which informed her own writing. Though her work was immensely popular in her lifetime, her conservative views, especially her opposition to women's suffrage, later led to a decline in her popularity. Nevertheless, she remains an important figure in the study of Victorian literature, offering invaluable insights into the cultural and political narratives of the period.