The Tulip Girl
By Margaret
Dickinson
Par 1
Reflect:
At first, I thought the story was
kind of dull and boring—just a story of a girl who was orphaned, alone and
lonely. But surprisingly, as I went on reading, I found myself gripping the
book and gulping every word. It was sort of predictable and Maddie, the main
character was very childish for her age. But despite the fact that she seems so
childish, I really admire her for being so courageous and positive. When Maddie
left the home and worked at Frank Bruckenbury’s farm, she welcomes the chance
of fresh air. Despite the animosity of Mrs. Trowbridge, Mr. Frank’s housekeeper,
Maddie remains strong believing that she was truly loved for the first time by
the farmer’s son, Michael. Her attitude is something that made me realized
something about life. Yes, she was just
a girl but her strong character attracts positive mood. Her bravery was really
admirable especially at the part when the Brackenbury’s livelihood was
threatened by a disease cause by the cattle. After that awful time, Maddie
suggested that they could plant flowers instead. From this, I can truly say
that Maddie is someone who amidst the trouble remains optimistic and open. I
was inspired by her character and I guess, I can say that this book is one of
my favorite books ever.
Connect:
When
I was in high school, I used to have this friend which at some point, I guess,
has a similar story with Madeleine March. This friend of mine has lived with
none to truly call her own. Her parents died when she was little and she grew
up in the company of her relatives. Though she still has family members, she
was unhappy because they never treated her as one of them. Until the time came
that she realized she has to live normally, even if that means staying away
from her relatives. She gathered all her courage, sought for a job and went
living alone. According to her, she never regretted her escape for because of
that, she found her true self.
Same
as to Maddie, though she was alone she was still seeing life positively. Amidst
the trials that came her way, she remained courageous and strong enough to face
life.
Predict:
I
think that since Maddie and Michael were back in each other’s arms once again,
they’ll now live happily. Especially now that Maddie found out about her true
identity and she was happy that Jenny Wren is truly a part of that. Also, I
guess, since Nick Trowbridge had already put an end to his life, everything
will be alright. Mrs. Trowbridge now being nice to her, Micheal being back
again, finding out about her real family with the help of Mr. Theo Mayfield, I
can say that Maddie was already satisfied and contented about the life she has
at the end.
Question:
I was just curious if what if Mr. Peter
Mayfield never hindered the love of her daughter Miss Amelia Mayfield (Jenny
Wren’s mother) towards John Cuppleditch, would everything change? Would Maddie
ever meet Michael if that so? After Mrs. Trowbridge’s husband died, she lived
with Mr. Frank, why did she never let Mr. Frank know about her true feelings
where in fact it was obvious that she really admires Mr. Frank? What if Michael
never returned and Nick was still with Maddie? Would it be a happy ending?
Part 2
January 31, 2012
Margaret
Dickinson
Author
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
Maam:
My name is Queenie Rose Baitaan and
I am an AB English student of Mindanao State University-General Santos City,
Philippines.
I am an avid fan of yours and I
wrote this letter to congratulate you for coming up with such a wonderful book
and to let you know that I am really inspired with your stories. One of your
books I liked the most is the “The Tulip girl”. As I read the book, my courage
has been lift up and I found myself craving to read more books you have
written.
The book is really a masterpiece
and I am looking forward ma’am, for the next books that you are going to write.
The story is really a life-relating scene and I admire you for upbringing such
a heart-warming novel.
I just hope that you will continue
to inspire many and keep lifting up the true spirit of being a human being.
Thank you ma’am, more Power to you and God bless.
Sincerely yours,
Queenie Rose Balitaan
