Letters to a Daughter and A Little Sermon to School Girls (ePub)

Helen Ekin Starrett, an esteemed educator and author of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is remembered for her significant contributions to the field of women's education and literature. Starrett was born on December 25, 1840, in Warren, Ohio, and dedicated much of her life to the empowerment of women through learning. Her seminal works, 'Letters to a Daughter and A Little Sermon to School Girls,' showcase her dedication to guiding young women in their moral and intellectual development. 'Letters to a Daughter' (1886), in particular, is a collection of epistolary advice on modesty, self-reliance, and the importance of a well-rounded education. This work reflects her progressive views on women's capabilities and social roles during a time when the societal expanse for women was limited. Similarly, 'A Little Sermon to School Girls' (1886) is pedagogic in essence, underscoring the themes of discipline, character, and the pursuit of knowledge. Starrett's literary style is characterized by its didacticism and accessibility, highlighting her belief in the potential of accessible education to uplift and inform her readers. Beyond her writings, Starrett also served as principal for the Dearborn Seminary in Chicago and was instrumental in the formation of the Chicago Public School system. Her impact on education and literature, especially for young women, remains a testament to her visionary stance on feminism and education. Starrett passed away on December 10, 1920, but her legacy endures through her contribution to educational reform and the literary canon of advice literature for women.