Captain Danton's Daughters: A Novel (Classic Reprint)
What’s inside...
The first excerpt is from 'Captain Danton's Daughters: A Novel' by Gertrude Jekyll, describing a young lady in a gloomy afternoon setting by a window overlooking scenery with glimpses of St. Lawrence River. Her serenity is disrupted by a lad on horseback followed by a servant. The book, published by Forgotten Books, is a historical reproduction using modern technology to preserve the original text while maintaining some imperfections to retain its historical essence. The second excerpt, 'Old English Household Life,' shows Jekyll's portrayal of the traditional rural English lifestyle, detailing the enduring rural skills and customs amid the modern age without sentimentalizing the harsh lives of the subjects, showcasing her admiration for their hard work and rich variety of country life.
Age
12-15
Length
276 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the daughters felt when faced with challenges in the story? Can you relate to any of their emotions?
What are some qualities you admire in Captain Danton's daughters? How can you apply these qualities in your own life?
What role does teamwork play in the daughters' adventures? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you solve a problem?
How do the daughters change from the beginning to the end of the book? What do you think caused these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, making connections to their own experiences.
Highlight the significance of resilience and teamwork demonstrated by the daughters, discussing its value in everyday life.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios, enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills.
Discuss each daughter's unique traits and encourage your child to think about how diverse characteristics can contribute positively to group outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonds
Explanation: The story illustrates the strong ties and mutual support among Captain Danton's daughters, showcasing how they navigate challenges together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting family members and sticking together during difficult times, fostering a sense of security and belonging.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the characters face various obstacles but demonstrate resilience and perseverance to overcome them.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of resilience and trying again even when things get tough, helping them develop coping strategies for their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: The daughters often take stands on matters of principle, even when it is not the easiest path.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to act according to their values and stand up for themselves and others, promoting ethical behavior and integrity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The sisters show great empathy towards others in their community, understanding different perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards others, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and knowledge
Explanation: The characters in the story emphasize learning and knowledge as key to solving problems and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to value their education and see learning as a lifelong journey that empowers them to make informed decisions.