Frances Hodgson Burnett is a well-known name in the world of literature. Her books have been read by millions of people around the world, and her legacy continues to live on even today. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the life and legacy of Frances Hodgson Burnett, exploring her early life, writing career, personal relationships, interests and hobbies, financial ups and downs, and best quotes from her work.
Introduction to Frances Hodgson Burnett
Frances Hodgson Burnett was born on November 24, 1849, in Manchester, England. Her father, Edwin Hodgson, was a successful businessman, and her mother, Eliza Boond, was a homemaker. Frances was the third of five children, and her upbringing was marked by financial security and a comfortable lifestyle. However, tragedy struck the family when Frances’s father died of a stroke in 1854, leaving the family in dire straits.
Early Life and Background
After her father’s death, Frances and her family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where they lived with relatives. It was during this time that Frances began to develop her interest in writing. She would often write stories and poems, and her family would encourage her by reading and critiquing her work.
At the age of eighteen, Frances moved to Washington D.C. to live with her mother and two of her siblings. She continued to pursue her writing career and published her first story, “Miss Carruthers’ Engagement,” in Godey’s Lady’s Book in 1868.
Writing Career and Successes
Frances’s writing career took off in the 1880s, when she published several successful novels, including “Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1885), “A Little Princess” (1905), and “The Secret Garden” (1911). Her books were known for their strong, independent female characters and their themes of friendship, love, and the power of imagination.
Despite her success, Frances faced criticism and backbiting throughout her career. Many critics dismissed her work as sentimental and overly romantic, and some even accused her of plagiarism. However, Frances remained undeterred and continued to write, publishing over forty novels and numerous short stories throughout her career.
Criticism and Backbiting in Burnett’s Life
It is said that Frances faced a lot of criticism and backbiting in her life. Her work was often dismissed as being overly romantic and sentimental, and some critics even accused her of plagiarism. However, she remained undeterred and continued to write, publishing more than forty novels and numerous short stories throughout her career.
One of the most notable criticisms of Frances’s work came from the author Henry James, who famously described “Little Lord Fauntleroy” as “an odious little creature.” Despite this criticism, the book became a bestseller and was adapted into several plays, films, and television shows over the years.
Love Life and Friendships
Frances Hodgson Burnett had a complicated love life and several close friendships throughout her life. She married Dr. Swan Burnett in 1873, but the marriage was not a happy one and they separated in 1890. Frances had several close friendships with other writers and artists, including the playwright William Archer and the novelist Ellen Glasgow.
One of the most significant friendships in Frances’s life was with the actress Ethel Barrymore. The two women met in 1900 and became fast friends, with Ethel often performing in stage adaptations of Frances’s work.
Life Outside Writing: Interests and Hobbies
In addition to her writing career, Frances Hodgson Burnett had many interests and hobbies. She was an avid gardener and often spent hours tending to her garden. She was also a talented artist and enjoyed painting and sketching in her spare time.
Frances was also interested in spiritualism and believed in the existence of ghosts and spirits. She often attended séances and claimed to have communicated with the spirits of her deceased family members.
From Riches to Rags and Back Again: Burnett’s Financial Ups and Downs
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s life was marked by financial ups and downs. She was born into a wealthy family but was left in financial ruin after her father’s death. She struggled to make ends meet for many years and often had to rely on the support of family and friends.
However, Frances’s fortunes turned around in the 1880s, when she began to publish successful novels. She became a wealthy woman and was able to live a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. However, her financial situation once again took a turn for the worse in the early 1900s, when several of her investments failed.
Best Quotes from Burnett’s Work
Frances Hodgson Burnett was known for her beautiful prose and poignant storytelling. Here are some of the best quotes from her work:
- “Everything’s a story – You are a story – I am a story.” – “A Little Princess”
- “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – “The Secret Garden”
- “It has sometimes seemed to me that a woman’s nature is like a great house full of rooms.” – “The Shuttle”
The First Book: “That Lass o’ Lowrie’s”
“That Lass o’ Lowrie’s” was Frances Hodgson Burnett’s first published novel, released in 1877. The book tells the story of a young girl named Rachel who works in a coal mine in Lancashire, England. The book was a critical success and established Frances as a talented writer.
The Last Book: “The Secret Garden”
“The Secret Garden” was Frances Hodgson Burnett’s last published novel, released in 1911. The book tells the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox who discovers a secret garden on her uncle’s estate. The book was a critical and commercial success and has since become a beloved children’s classic.
All of Burnett’s Books in Order
Frances Hodgson Burnett published over forty novels and numerous short stories throughout her career. Here is a list of her books in order of publication:
- “Miss Carruthers’ Engagement” (1868)
- “That Lass o’ Lowrie’s” (1877)
- “Surly Tim” (1877)
- “Kathleen” (1884)
- “Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1885)
- “Editha’s Burglar” (1888)
- “The One I Knew the Best of All” (1893)
- “A Lady of Quality” (1896)
- “The Making of a Marchioness” (1901)
- “The Little Hunchback Zia” (1905)
- “A Little Princess” (1905)
- “The Secret Garden” (1911)
- “My Robin” (1926)
Books and Characters that Became Movies or Other Media
Many of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s books and characters have been adapted into movies, television shows, and other forms of media over the years. Some notable adaptations include:
- “Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1936 film)
- “The Secret Garden” (1949 film)
- “A Little Princess” (1995 film)
- “The Secret Garden” (1993 film)
- “Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1980 miniseries)
- “The Secret Garden” (2020 film)
Other Artists who Inspired Burnett
Frances Hodgson Burnett was inspired by many other artists and writers throughout her life. Some of her influences include:
- Charlotte Bronte
- Charles Dickens
- William Shakespeare
- Louisa May Alcott
Other Writers to Read if You Love Frances Hodgson Burnett
If you love the work of Frances Hodgson Burnett, here are some other writers you might enjoy:
- Louisa May Alcott
- L.M. Montgomery
- E. Nesbit
- Laura Ingalls Wilder
Conclusion: The Legacy of Frances Hodgson Burnett
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s legacy as a writer and storyteller continues to live on today. Her books have inspired generations of readers and have been adapted into countless movies, television shows, and other forms of media. Her strong, independent female characters and themes of friendship, love, and the power of imagination continue to resonate with readers of all ages. If you haven’t read any of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s work, I highly recommend that you do – you won’t be disappointed.
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