The Copy-Cat, and Other Stories

"The Copy-Cat and Other Stories" by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The narratives explore themes of childhood, identity, and social dynamics through the lives of various characters, particularly focusing on the complex relationships among children in a small town setting. At the start of "The Copy-Cat," we are introduced to two little girls, Lily Jennings and Amelia Wheeler. Lily is admired for her beauty and grace, which Amelia desperately seeks to emulate despite her plainness and lack of fashionable clothing. The story captures Amelia's adoration of Lily, as well as the social challenges and insecurities she faces as a “copy-cat.” The opening presents a vivid scene of school life where children's interactions reveal their struggles for identity and acceptance. As Lilies daintily flaunts her attire and charm, Amelia yearns for connection, leading to complicated dynamics that hint at deeper themes of imitation, admiration, and self-discovery as the story unfolds.