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Cover of As many as touched Him

As many as touched Him

Written by Eglanton Thorne

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Country lifeFriendshipSiblingsSick childrenChristian lifeFireDressmakers

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About this book

"As Many as Touched Him" by Eglanton Thorne is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Ellen Mansfield, a young girl navigating her duties at home and her aspirations to become a dressmaker, as well as her relationships with her family, particularly her sick brother Jerry. The narrative is infused with themes of faith, healing, and personal growth, exploring both the burdens and joys of familial love. The opening of the book introduces Ellen as she anxiously waits for a letter from her Aunt Matilda, indicating a longing for connection and change in her life. The chapter paints a vivid picture of her daily life on a farm, her impatience with household chores, and her deep affection for her ailing brother, Jerry, who dreams of being healed. Ellen's encounter with a stranger—a preacher—adds a layer of intrigue and foreshadows the spiritual and emotional challenges she will face. The narrative establishes Ellen's inner conflict and foreshadows the themes of faith, healing, and the search for a sense of purpose that will unfold as the story progresses.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in As many as touched Him, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • hopeful
  • sentimental

Eglanton Thorne's "As Many as Touched Him" is a late 19th-century novel centered on Ellen Mansfield, a young woman grappling with the demands of her rural farm life and her yearning to become a dressmaker. The narrative explores Ellen's deep affection for her ailing brother, Jerry, whose desire for healing forms a core emotional and spiritual thread. Infused with themes of faith, personal growth, and familial devotion, the story follows Ellen's journey as she navigates duties, aspirations, and the spiritual challenges foreshadowed by an encounter with a stranger. The novel paints a vivid picture of inner conflict and the search for purpose within the context of a loving yet burdensome family life, ultimately exploring the transformative power of belief.

“"A letter from Aunt Matilda could mean a window opening, a breath of air from a world beyond the farm's familiar confines."”

Key themes

Faith and Healing
This is the central theme, exploring the nature of belief in the face of suffering and the possibility of divine intervention. The narrative delves into both physical healing (Jerry's illness) and spiritual healing (Ellen's personal growth and acceptance). It questions the limits of human understanding and control, emphasizing the power of unwavering faith.
Familial Love and Duty
The novel deeply explores the bonds of family, particularly the profound love between siblings. It examines the burdens and joys of duty, showing how love can compel sacrifice and responsibility, yet also provide immense strength and motivation. Ellen's life is largely defined by her obligations to her family, especially her sick brother.
Personal Growth and Aspiration
This theme focuses on Ellen's journey of self-discovery and her pursuit of individual dreams amidst her predetermined circumstances. It highlights the internal conflict between external expectations (duty) and internal desires (becoming a dressmaker), leading to a transformation of character as she navigates these competing forces.

Worth discussing

How does Ellen's longing for a letter from Aunt Matilda symbolize her broader aspirations and desire for change?

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