She Was Good for Nothing Page #3

She Was Good for Nothing is a touching novella by Hans Christian Andersen that focuses on the theme of societal class and unrequited love. It tells the story of a poor girl who is constantly belittled, neglected, and considered 'useless' by her community. The girl falls in love with a wealthy man who treats her kindly. Despite their different social standings, the girl's deep love guides her to do everything she can to help and care for her beloved, proving her worth and challenging societal notions.

• Children

								

he had left in his will a legacy of six hundred dollars to the
glovemaker's widow, who had been his mother's maid, to be paid with
discretion, in large or small sums to the widow or her child.

"There was something between my brother and her, I remember," said
the mayor; "it is a good thing that she is out of the way, for now the
boy will have the whole. I will place him with honest people to
bring him up, that he may become a respectable working man." And the
blessing of God rested upon these words. The mayor sent for the boy to
come to him, and promised to take care of him, but most cruelly
added that it was a good thing that his mother was dead, for "she
was good for nothing." They carried her to the churchyard, the
churchyard in which the poor were buried. Martha strewed sand on the
grave and planted a rose-tree upon it, and the boy stood by her side.

"Oh, my poor mother!" he cried, while the tears rolled down his
cheeks. "Is it true what they say, that she was good for nothing?"

"No, indeed, it is not true," replied the old servant, raising her
eyes to heaven; "she was worth a great deal; I knew it years ago,
and since the last night of her life I am more certain of it than
ever. I say she was a good and worthy woman, and God, who is in
heaven, knows I am speaking the truth, though the world may say,
even now she was good for nothing."
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes