These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901

Books become an important symbol in the novel early on. Beginning with Sarah’s family Bible, books are initially associated with education and righteous living. However, books’ associations take on new contours toward the end of Chapter 1 when Savannah Lawrence lends Sarah a reader to help develop her writing skills. Savannah is a beautiful and devout young Quaker woman who is well-educated and aspires to be a teacher. With Savannah’s introduction into Sarah’s life, books and their value become additionally associated with the feminine refinement and gentility that she admires in her educated new friend. When Sarah begins reading The Happy Bride, an etiquette manual she hopes will educate her in the ways of being a proper and marriageable lady like Savannah, these associations are further underscored.

More subtly, as the novel progresses, books also come to be associated with Sarah’s connection to Jack Elliot and the love they share. For instance, prior to their courtship, Jack refuses to return Sarah’s copy of The Duchess of Warwick and Her Sorrow by the Sea to maintain a connection to her. Sarah later learns, however, that Jack refused to return the book because he faithfully carried it with him into every military campaign; during one battle, the book was irreparably damaged.