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Cover of A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days

A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days

Written by Angela Brazil

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About this book

"A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days" by Angela Brazil is a fictional narrative set in the late 19th century, focusing on the experiences of schoolgirls at a day college. The story revolves around the character Dorothy Greenfield, who is eager to take part in the school elections and is navigating her social position and friendships within the school environment. The book likely explores themes of friendship, ambition, rivalry, and the challenges of growing up within a school community. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Avondale College on the first day of the autumn term. The excitement is palpable as the students gather to hear about the upcoming election for the "Warden of the Lower School." Dorothy, one of the candidates, is filled with hopes for the position, setting the stage for her ambitions and the competitive atmosphere among her peers. As she canvasses for votes, we learn about her personality, including her determination and pride, as well as her complex feelings of self-worth related to her unknown family background. Dorothy’s character is quickly established as she engages with her classmates, experiences rivalry with others, and faces the reality of both friendship and social standing in her quest for acceptance and recognition within the school.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 6 hours
  • intermediate
  • nostalgic
  • ambitious
  • competitive

Angela Brazil's "A Pair of Schoolgirls: A Story of School Days" immerses readers in the vibrant, competitive world of a late 19th-century day college, focusing on the ambitious Dorothy Greenfield. The narrative kicks off with the palpable excitement of a school election for 'Warden of the Lower School,' a position Dorothy covets deeply. As Dorothy navigates the social intricacies of Avondale College, she grapples with her ambition, rivalries with peers, and her own complex feelings of self-worth stemming from an unknown family background. The story primarily explores themes of friendship, social standing, and the challenges inherent in growing up and finding one's place within a bustling school community.

“"The air was electric with the promise of autumn term and, more importantly, the looming election that would decide the fate of the Lower School's leadership."”

Key themes

Ambition and Competition
The novel prominently explores the theme of ambition through Dorothy's fervent desire to win the 'Warden of the Lower School' election. This ambition drives much of the plot and reveals Dorothy's character, highlighting both her determination and her underlying insecurities. The competitive atmosphere of the school, particularly surrounding the election, serves as a backdrop for various rivalries and challenges.
Friendship and Rivalry
A core theme of the school story genre, Brazil delves into the complexities of friendships and the inevitable rivalries that arise in a close-knit school community. The narrative explores how these relationships are formed, tested, and sometimes broken under the pressures of competition and social standing. Dorothy's journey highlights the importance of loyal companions while also exposing the sting of competition.
Self-worth and Identity
Dorothy's character is deeply affected by her unknown family background, which fuels her desire for external validation and recognition. This theme explores how individuals, especially during formative years, grapple with their sense of self, often seeking to define their identity through achievements, social acceptance, or overcoming perceived deficiencies.

Worth discussing

How does Dorothy's ambition for the 'Warden of the Lower School' position reflect her desire for acceptance and self-worth?

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