Miss Frances Giddings
A polite, elderly spinster and proprietor of a small general store in Ivy Corners.
Core Belief
"She believes in the importance of beauty, kindness, and individual expression, even when those values are at odds with the prevailing opinions of her community."
Worldview
Miss Giddings sees the world as a place where beauty is constantly under threat from cruelty and ignorance. She finds solace in her garden and in acts of quiet defiance against the petty judgments of others.
Personality
Miss Giddings is characterized by her old-fashioned elegance, gentleness, and love for her garden. She is a woman of refined speech and manners, but also possesses a hidden stubbornness and a growing sense of disillusionment with the narrow-mindedness of her community.
In Their Own Words
"“I am at a loss to explain my unreadiness,” said the punctilious, cracked voice. “Usually on prayer-meeting nights I am, if anything, in advance of the hour, but to-night I regret exceedingly that, without realizing the extent of time, I became over-absorbed in the anxieties of my garden. Now select the article you desire and I will endeavor to make amends.”"
"“Pleasant weather and many taking advantage of it; were I not occupied I, too, should promenade.”"
"“My mystery,” she announced, with gentle archness. “Not planted by human hands. Undoubtedly a seed dropped by a bird in flight. A fruit-tree, I suspect—possibly cherry, but whether wild or of the domestic species remains to be seen; only the fruit will solve the enigma.”"
Discussions with Miss Frances Giddings
Other Characters from The best short stories of 1918, and the yearbook of the American short story
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