The Deceitful Mother in Rebecca Rush's Kelroy

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The Deceitful Mother in Rebecca Rush's Kelroy

Mothers are often thought of and characterized as loving, generous women, who put their children before themselves. They are gracious, caring, and kind humans that are willing to sacrifice happiness and fulfillment in their lives to insure that their children receive the guidance, love, support, and happiness that every child (especially their own) deserves. Sadly, this description does not define the characteristics of all mothers. An example of a mother in which her mannerisms are the exact opposite of those depicted above is found in the character of Mrs. Hammond in Rebecca Rush's Kelroy, first published in 1812. Mrs. Hammond is an example of the realism found in the book. Combining realism such as this with romanticism makes Kelroy one of the best illustrations of a novel of manners.

Like many mothers, Mrs. Hammond wishes for her daughters to marry well, but she not only desires this for their well being but also for her own. At the death of Mr. Hammond, his wife not only inherits his fortune but also his debts; finding out soon after that she acquires almost the same amount of debt as she did money. In trying to decide how she can continue in the lifestyle in which she is accustomed; she acknowledges the beauty of her daughters, Lucy and Emily, and thus creates a plan. Moving out of the city and into the country of Philadelphia to "mournî she began to train her daughters to land a rich husband. Mrs. Hammond does not stop to think of the others who could be affected by her actions. She is uncaring and cold and only out to better her position.

Mrs. Hammond characteristics range from calculating to charming; she uses her talent of manipulating situations to get exactly what she wants. She uses any means necessary to reach her goal; this makes her an excellent example of a great American bitch. Even after marrying Lucy off to Walsingham, an Englishman with a title, she was not still not satisfied. Emily marrying Kelroy, a penniless poet, was out of the question. Mrs. Hammond never considers what consequences her actions will have on herself and others. She is the evil or villain found in the book. There is nothing wrong with a mother desiring her daughters to marry well, but in Mrs.

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