A Spinster's Tale

Elizabeth matures throughout the story, prompted by the death of her mother she is forced to grow into the only lady in the household next to her brother and father. Her birthday and seeing her brother drunk seem to be two significant turning points for her. The birthday may simply be a milestone, but her father declares to her that she is now a young lady. Seeing her brother drunk and acknowledging his drunkenness is an aid to growing up because alcohol and the effects of alcohol are adult issues.

Mr. Speed seems to be a representation of everything that is included in growing up and the dangers/perils of life, everything that a child should not know of. At first I really wasn't sure if he actually existed, but when interaction between him and the other characters occurred, I knew he not only existed but was also a symbol of everything in Elizabeth's life that she had to face and deal with. Her coming to terms and taking on the responsibilities of the house are a part of her maturing. I like how we hear all her thoughts and walk along with her as she grows up a bit, the narration point of view is essential to these insights.

I got a little lost in the story, and it took a few rereads to understand it a little more. I haven't exactly figured out the relation of the title to the story. A spinster is more of an old maid, sometimes a woman or girl who is unable to marry or unwilling. I don't gather this from Elizabeth's situation.