Miss Tempy's Watchers by Sarah Orne Jewett
"Miss Tempy's Watchers" is a short story by Sarah Orne Jewett that centers around two women, Mrs. Crowe and Sarah Ann Binson, who come together to fulfill the last wish of their deceased friend, Temperance "Tempy" Dent. The narrative unfolds as the two characters share a vigil over Tempy's belongings, engaging in conversations that reveal their inner lives and contrasting personalities. Mrs. Crowe, a wealthy and rigid woman, contrasts with Sarah Ann, a poorer, self-sacrificing spinster burdened by family obligations. Through their dialogue and interactions, the story explores themes of friendship, death, and the complexities of human relationships.
As they reminisce about Tempy, the women's discussions bring to light their differing values and fears, particularly Mrs. Crowe's dread of death and her struggles with generosity. The story subtly incorporates elements of social realism, reflecting the customs, language, and attitudes of their community. Notably, the presence of a brook and Tempy's spirit enhances the emotional landscape, aiding the women's journey toward understanding and connection. Overall, "Miss Tempy's Watchers" offers a poignant examination of companionship and personal growth in the face of life's inevitable transitions.
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Miss Tempy's Watchers by Sarah Orne Jewett
First published: 1888
Type of plot: Social realism
Time of work: The late nineteenth century
Locale: A small New Hampshire farming community
Principal Characters:
Mrs. Crowe , one of the watchers, a wealthy married woman and friend of the deceased Miss Temperance DentSarah Ann Binson , the other watcher, a poor spinster and friend of the deceased
The Story
The two main characters, Mrs. Crowe and Sarah Ann Binson, fulfill the request of their deceased friend, Temperance "Tempy" Dent. Before she died, Tempy asked that the two, who had been schoolmates and her friends, "come together and look after the house, and manage everything, when she was gone." The story, which has very little plot, is about what is revealed about the women through the commentator or narrator, through their conversations, and through their reactions to each other and to the immediate environment in which they find themselves.
Mrs. Crowe and Sarah Ann Binson pass the hours of their long watch over Tempy and her things by talking, knitting, sewing, eating, and sleeping. Their conversation touches on Tempy: her virtues, her life, and her good deeds. As they reminisce, they reveal Tempy's character along with their own dominant character traits. Each shares secrets she did not intend to share. Each reveals a part of herself never shown before. As the night and the conversation progress, these women, between whom there are numerous differences, are drawn together.
Mrs. Crowe, mentioned first in the story, is considered superior to Sarah Ann Binson. Mrs. Crowe, who enjoys the respect of being referred to as "Mrs." throughout the story, is married to a wealthy farmer. She is stingy, rigid, composed. Sarah Ann, who is called "Sarah" throughout most of the story, is also referred to as Sarah Ann Binson, Sister Binson, and "Miss Binson." Sarah, a spinster, is poor. She is exploited by a widowed sister and six nieces and nephews whom Sarah supports. Sarah is self-sacrificing, hospitable, and sympathetic. She fixes supper for Mrs. Crowe and herself. She is "moved" by Mrs. Crowe's confession that Tempy "has been a constant lesson to me." Mrs. Crowe is uneasy about death and indicates her dread of it several times. The conversation and keeping the vigil help to alleviate some of her fear.
The references to a babbling and then silent brook that runs by the house and to Tempy's spiritual presence suggest that the work has four characters, the brook and Tempy's spirit being the other two. These two "minor" characters seem instrumental in closing the gap between Mrs. Crowe and Sarah Ann, in helping each woman to resolve other problems. For Mrs. Crowe, the additional problems resolved are her inability to give generously and her fear of death.
"Miss Tempy's Watchers" does more than provide portraits of two women and show how they have overcome differences which prevented their enjoying a sisterhood. The work also documents social customs, the language of the region, lifestyles, values, and attitudes.
Bibliography
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