Ruby Holler

Orphaned children have been a prevalent trope in numerous literary cultures throughout history. It has been argued that part of the prevalence of this trope stems from its historical plausibility—women were once more apt to die in childbirth and via injury and disease, and a lack of modern health care made the death of parents more of a threat than in contemporary times. Author Steve Nallon argues that orphans are “ready made outsiders,” adding to their appeal: Their “otherness” makes them intriguing for young readers, and orphans bring a type of built-in conflict. Their “underdog” position makes them credible protagonists, as they are generally disadvantaged, beginning with few or no material possessions and lacking a built-in support system (Nallon, Steve. “Orphans and Their Mentors.” Swidgers, 2023).

Early examples of orphan literature include The History of Little Goody Two Shoes by John Newberry (1765) in which a young girl possess only one shoe. She grows up to marry a rich widower and finally owns two shoes (Nallon). The “rags to riches” reversal is a common trope of the orphan story, as the orphan is rewarded for his or her patient endurance of a difficult life.