1. Life and Family
Frances Hodgson Burnett was born on November 24, 1849, in Cheetham, Manchester, England. She was the third of five children in the Hodgson family. Her father, Edwin Hodgson, owned a successful ironmongery business, but his sudden death in 1854 left the family in financial distress. In 1865, seeking better opportunities, her mother relocated the family to Knoxville, Tennessee, in the United States.
Burnett displayed an early talent for storytelling and writing. At the age of 18, she began publishing short stories in magazines to support her struggling family. Her ability to craft engaging narratives quickly gained recognition, and she soon established herself as a professional writer.
In 1873, Frances married Swan Burnett, a physician. The couple had two sons, Lionel and Vivian. Tragedy struck when her eldest son, Lionel, died of tuberculosis in 1890. His death profoundly affected Burnett and influenced the themes of loss, hope, and renewal in her later works.
Unfortunately, her first marriage was troubled, and they divorced in 1898. Frances remarried in 1900 to actor Stephen Townsend, but this marriage was short-lived and ended in separation.
2. Main Works
Frances Hodgson Burnett was a prolific writer, producing numerous novels, plays, and short stories throughout her career. However, she is best known for her children's literature, which continues to be cherished by readers worldwide.
One of her earliest successes was Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), a novel about a kind-hearted American boy who unexpectedly inherits a British earldom. The book became a bestseller and was praised for its moral lessons, though it also sparked discussions about sentimentality in children's literature.
Her most enduring work, The Secret Garden (1911), tells the story of Mary Lennox, a neglected and sour-tempered girl who discovers a hidden garden and undergoes a transformation as she nurtures it back to life. The novel explores themes of healing, the power of nature, and children's resilience. It remains a staple of children's literature and has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and television series.
Another beloved novel, A Little Princess (1905), follows the fortunes of Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl who is reduced to poverty but retains her kindness and imagination. The novel's message of inner strength and perseverance has made it a favorite among readers of all ages.
Burnett also wrote The Lost Prince (1915), a lesser-known work about a young boy who discovers his royal heritage and embarks on an adventure. While not as famous as her other works, it showcases her continued interest in themes of identity and personal growth.
3. Anecdotes and Controversies
Burnett was deeply fascinated by gardening, a passion that is evident in The Secret Garden. During her time in England, she created beautiful gardens at her homes, where she spent hours tending to flowers and plants. She believed in the healing power of nature, an idea that profoundly shaped her writing.
Burnett had a close relationship with her youngest son, Vivian, who became a model for some of her child protagonists. In fact, the character of Cedric Errol in Little Lord Fauntleroy was based on him, and illustrations in the book were said to resemble his likeness. This led to Vivian being affectionately called “Little Lord Fauntleroy” in real life, much to his chagrin as he grew older.
She was also known for her generosity, often giving financial support to struggling writers and acquaintances. Despite facing personal losses, she remained a warm and compassionate person who believed in the transformative power of love and kindness.
One of the primary criticisms of her writing, particularly in Little Lord Fauntleroy, was its excessive sentimentality. Some literary critics dismissed it as overly moralistic and unrealistic, arguing that it painted an idealized picture of nobility and wealth. Additionally, the novel’s portrayal of a perfect, angelic child led to discussions about whether such characters were relatable or beneficial role models for young readers.
Additionally, some modern scholars have revisited Burnett’s works through a contemporary lens, discussing issues of colonial attitudes and class divisions present in her novels. For example, The Secret Garden has been analyzed for its depiction of British imperialist ideals, particularly in the characterization of Mary Lennox, who initially embodies a sense of colonial entitlement before her transformation.
Despite these controversies, Burnett’s literary contributions remain highly influential. Her ability to weave stories of resilience, imagination, and personal growth continues to inspire generations of readers and writers.
4. Conclusion
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s legacy as a writer endures through her timeless stories and memorable characters. From the enchanting world of The Secret Garden to the heartwarming tales of A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy, her works have touched the hearts of countless readers. Her life, filled with triumphs and challenges, shaped her storytelling, making her one of the most beloved authors of children's literature. While controversies and criticisms have followed her career, they have done little to diminish the lasting impact of her work. Today, her stories continue to be celebrated, adapted, and cherished, proving that the power of literature transcends time and place.