A Daughter of To-Day

"A Daughter of To-Day" by Sara Jeannette Duncan is a novel thought to be written in the late 19th century. This work examines the life and struggles of young women in a changing society, centering on the character Elfrida Bell, who seeks to navigate her ambitions in both art and her personal identity amidst societal expectations and familial pressures. The opening of the novel introduces Miss Kimpsey, a school teacher, as she visits Mrs. Leslie Bell to discuss her daughter, Elfrida. Kimpsey is portrayed as a somewhat nervous figure who grapples with her own insecurities as she observes Mrs. Bell and her refined surroundings. It becomes clear that there is a growing concern regarding Elfrida's intellectual development, particularly her audacity to quote Rousseau in her schoolwork, which Miss Kimpsey views as potentially improper. The initial interactions set the stage for the exploration of Elfrida's character and her artistic aspirations, foreshadowing themes of ambition, class conflict, and the evolving role of women in society.