Three Aprons

In reading this story from Freeman, something in particular caught my attention and really set the tone for how I viewed Louisa as an individual, and that was the three different aprons she wore. These three aprons all represented part of her personality. We talked previously in class about the characteristics of spinsters and their significance. Although Louisa did not start off as a spinster, near the end of the novel she became the epitome of a spinster and displayed those traits. Louisa was to be betrothed to Joe Daggert, but there engagement was very lengthy for he was gone for many years. Although they were apart, Louisa stayed faithful to Joe and awaited his arrival with baited breath, however the same was not to be said for Joe, for he did not remain faithful and fell in love with another woman. During the story, Louisa had an apron that she claimed she like to wear when company was around, and there was also one she favored over the others that represented her best. I also believe that there was an apron she wore solely for Joe, and how she wanted to be portrayed as a wife figure. All three of these aprons showed a different side to Louisa, and I believe it showed a bit of her insecurity. When Joe returned after his years of being gone, Louisa said she did not feel the same she once used to, but it wasn't until she found out that Joe had feelings for another woman that she then decided it was best for them to go their separate ways. Overall I believe that Louisa always embodied the characteristics of a spinster, she was just not secure enough to take on that role.