Frances Hodgson Burnett
Full Name and Common Aliases
Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett, often referred to simply as Frances Hodgson Burnett, was a renowned author whose works have captivated readers for generations. She is sometimes affectionately called Fanny by those familiar with her life and works.
Birth and Death Dates
Frances Hodgson Burnett was born on November 24, 1849, and she passed away on October 29, 1924. Her life spanned a period of significant change and development in both the literary world and society at large.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Frances Hodgson Burnett was a British-American novelist and playwright. She spent a significant portion of her life in the United States, which influenced her writing and broadened her audience. Her profession as a writer allowed her to explore themes of childhood, resilience, and transformation, which resonated deeply with readers.
Early Life and Background
Born in Cheetham, Manchester, England, Frances was the third of five children in the Hodgson family. Her father, Edwin Hodgson, was a prosperous ironmonger, but his untimely death in 1854 left the family in financial distress. In 1865, seeking better opportunities, Frances's mother, Eliza Boond Hodgson, emigrated with her children to the United States, settling in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The transition from a comfortable life in England to the challenges of the American South during the post-Civil War era profoundly impacted Frances. Despite financial hardships, she found solace in writing, a passion she had nurtured since childhood. Her early experiences of loss and adaptation would later inform the emotional depth of her characters and stories.
Major Accomplishments
Frances Hodgson Burnett's literary career began in earnest when she started publishing stories in magazines to support her family. Her first novel, "That Lass o' Lowrie's", was published in 1877 and received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of life in a Lancashire mining town.
Her ability to weave compelling narratives led to a prolific career, with her works being serialized in popular magazines of the time. Burnett's storytelling prowess and her keen understanding of human nature earned her a place among the most celebrated authors of her era.
Notable Works or Actions
Frances Hodgson Burnett is best known for her children's novels, which have become timeless classics. "Little Lord Fauntleroy" (1886) was her first major success in children's literature, introducing readers to the charming story of a young American boy who discovers his aristocratic heritage in England. The book's success was unprecedented, making Burnett a household name.
Her most enduring work, "The Secret Garden" (1911), is celebrated for its exploration of themes such as healing, friendship, and the transformative power of nature. The novel's depiction of a neglected garden brought back to life by the curiosity and determination of children has left a lasting impression on readers worldwide.
Another notable work, "A Little Princess" (1905), tells the story of Sara Crewe, a young girl who maintains her dignity and kindness despite facing adversity. This novel, like her others, highlights Burnett's ability to create strong, resilient characters who inspire readers.
Impact and Legacy
Frances Hodgson Burnett's impact on literature is profound. Her works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various films, stage productions, and television series. Her ability to capture the complexities of childhood and the human spirit has ensured her stories remain relevant and beloved.
Burnett's legacy extends beyond her literary contributions. She was a pioneer in advocating for the emotional and psychological well-being of children, emphasizing the importance of imagination and empathy. Her novels often feature themes of personal growth and the healing power of nature, which continue to resonate with audiences today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Frances Hodgson Burnett is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful observations on life, resilience, and the human condition. Her ability to articulate the struggles and triumphs of her characters in a way that speaks to universal truths has made her words timeless.
Quotes from her works often reflect themes of hope, transformation, and the enduring power of kindness. Her stories encourage readers to find beauty in the world around them and to believe in the possibility of change and renewal. It is this enduring optimism and wisdom that ensures Frances Hodgson Burnett's place in the hearts of readers and the annals of literary history.
Quotes by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Frances Hodgson Burnett's insights on:
When you will not fly into a passion people know you are stronger than they are, because you are strong enough to hold in your rage, and they are not, and they say stupid things they wish they hadn’t said afterward. There’s nothing so strong as rage, except what makes you hold it in – that’s stronger.
The same day, he took Sara out and bought her a great many beautiful clothes – clothes so grand and rich that only a very young and inexperienced man would have bought them for a mite of a child who was to be brought up in a boarding-school. But the fact was that he was a rash, innocent young man, and very sad at the thought of parting with his little girl, who was all he had left to remind him of her beautiful mother, whom he had dearly loved.
Perhaps you can feel if you can’t hear. Perhaps kind thoughts reach people somehow, even through windows and doors and walls. Perhaps you feel a little warm and comforted.
She had learned to know how comforting a smile, even from a stranger, may be.
The afternoon was dragging towards its mellow hour. The sun was deepening the gold of its lances, the bees were going home and the birds were flying past less often.
That’s almost like telling lies,” she said. “And lies – well, you see, they are not only wicked – they’re vulgar.
Poor little thin, sallow, ugly Mary – she actually looked almost pretty for a moment.
Do you understand everything birds say?” said Mary. Dickon’s grin spread until he seemed all wide, red, curving mouth, and he rubbed his rough head. “I think I do, and they think I do,” he said. “I’ve lived on th’ moor with ’em so long. I’ve watched ’em break shell an’ come out an’ fledge an’ learn to fly an’ begin to sing, till I think I’m one of ’em. Sometimes I think p’raps I’m a bird, or a fox, or a rabbit, or a squirrel, or even a beetle, an’ I don’t know it.
And the roses – the roses! Rising out of the grass, tangled round the sun-dial, wreathing the tree trunks and hanging from their branches, climbing up the walls and spreading over them with long garlands falling in cascades – they came alive day by day, hour by hour. Fair fresh leaves, and buds – and buds – tiny at first but swelling and working Magic until they burst and uncurled into cups of scent delicately spilling themselves over their brims and filling the garden air. Colin.