The Good Resolution

In Short

This work is a classic example of 19th-century Sunday school literature, designed to instruct young readers on the virtues of self-control, patience, and Christian piety. The narrative follows Isabella Gardner, a teenager whose habitual fretfulness and anger cause her deep unhappiness. By resolving to "rule her spirit" through prayer and the study of scripture, she undergoes a transformative journey. The book has endured as a historical artifact of moral instruction, offering a window into the pedagogical values and domestic expectations of the era.

The Story

On the morning of her fourteenth birthday, Isabella Gardner wakes with a heavy heart, unable to enjoy the pleasant sunshine because of her own internal discontent. Despite having loving parents, she is plagued by a "fretful and peevish temper" that leads her to speak sharply to her sister, Mary, and quarrel with her brother, Edward. Her mother, deeply concerned, finds her daughter sitting alone in the garden and gently confronts her, explaining that her unhappiness stems not from external circumstances, but from the state of her own heart.

Mrs. Gardner urges her daughter to move beyond mere regret and instead seek the help of a higher power to control her impulses. Isabella, realizing that her past promises to change have failed because she relied only on her own strength, makes a solemn resolution to begin a new life. She receives a Bible from her parents, inscribed with a proverb about the importance of ruling one’s own spirit.

As the months pass, Isabella finds that change is difficult. When it rains on her birthday, canceling her plans, she initially feels the stir of anger but manages to accept the disappointment with grace, to the surprise of her siblings. However, the path to improvement is not linear. When her sister Mary refuses to accompany her to visit cousins because of a commitment to Sunday school, Isabella lashes out in anger. Though she soon feels ashamed, her pride keeps her from apologizing. It is only after reading the Sermon on the Mount and realizing she cannot rightfully offer prayers to God while harboring resentment that she approaches Mary to seek forgiveness.

The true test of her resolve comes when Isabella falls seriously ill. Confined to her bed, she suffers physically and struggles with the temptation to be impatient toward those caring for her. During this time, she learns to lean on her faith and the patient, silent support of her sister. As she recovers, she is no longer the girl who reacts with immediate hostility; she has learned to pause and reflect. By the time her next birthday arrives, Isabella has matured significantly. She now experiences a quiet, lasting happiness, having successfully—though not perfectly—subdued her unruly disposition. She acknowledges that the journey was not easy, but that through prayer and daily effort, she has found a sense of peace that had previously eluded her. The book concludes with moralistic poetry and lessons, underscoring the necessity of turning away from childish vice to embrace a life of virtue, as illustrated by the humble change in Isabella’s character.

How It Unfolds

The awakening Isabella realizes on her fourteenth birthday that her persistent unhappiness is a result of her own bad temper rather than her surroundings. Her mother intervenes, guiding her toward the realization that she cannot reform her character without spiritual assistance.

The resolution Isabella commits to a new, disciplined life, acknowledging her past failures and her need for divine help. She receives a Bible as a reminder that self-mastery is a greater feat than conquering a city.

The inevitable relapse A conflict over a missed visit to cousins tests Isabella's resolve, and she fails to maintain her composure. She eventually experiences a breakthrough in her pride when she realizes she must reconcile with her sister before she can authentically pray.

The crucible of sickness A period of intense illness forces Isabella to confront her patience under physical duress. Through this suffering, she learns to rely on her family’s support and her own internal growth to remain kind despite pain.

The quiet victory Isabella emerges from her illness and her struggles as a more thoughtful and kind person. By the end of the year, she is recognized by her family and peers for her newfound gentleness, proving that her resolution was not merely a passing phase.

The People

Isabella Gardner is the central figure, a girl of generous but volatile temperament. She begins the story defined by her "fretful and peevish" nature, which manifests as verbal outbursts and an inability to handle contradiction. Her growth is marked by a shift from reactive pride to a humble reliance on prayer and self-denial.

Mrs. Gardner, Isabella’s mother, serves as the moral anchor of the household. She is characterized by her patience, deep faith, and her ability to guide her daughter without harshness. She views her child’s faults as a spiritual responsibility and provides the wisdom necessary for Isabella to find a path forward.

Mary Gardner is Isabella's older sister and a model of the "meek and quiet spirit." Unlike Isabella, she is defined by her consistency, her dedication to teaching Sunday school, and her capacity to bear Isabella’s mistreatment with grace. She acts as a living example of the behavior Isabella hopes to achieve.

Edward and George are the younger brothers. Their reactions to Isabella—ranging from apprehension about her temper to surprise at her kindness—act as a barometer for the reader, tracking Isabella’s success in changing the atmosphere of the family home.

In Its Own Voice

Isabella’s mother explains the difficulty of internal change, noting that even the most righteous must acknowledge their limitations:

"We are all weak and sinful creatures; and without help from God we can do no good thing."

Upon reflecting on her own behavior and the difficulty of her self-imposed task, Isabella recognizes that her anger has been the primary barrier to her happiness:

"My disrespect to my father and mother caused me many a bitter tear, while my unkindness to my brothers and sisters made my dayly life unhappy."

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the struggle for self-governance. It argues that character is not innate, but something that must be actively cultivated through the rigorous application of moral principles. The narrative addresses the question of whether a person can overcome their "besetting sins" solely through willpower, ultimately concluding that human effort is insufficient without a foundation of faith and humility. It posits that a "meek and quiet spirit" is not a sign of weakness, but a profound form of strength that requires the constant, conscious suppression of the ego. It is a treatise on the idea that external peace within a family or community is entirely dependent on the internal peace of the individual.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of juvenile literature or the evolution of domestic morality will find this book a revealing primary source. It provides a stark look at the mid-19th-century focus on "conduct of life," where the domestic sphere was the primary training ground for character. The prose is earnest and direct, reflecting a time when literature for children was unabashedly didactic, focusing on the correction of faults rather than the celebration of individuality.

Contemporary readers may find the intense focus on sin and the constant requirement for self-reproach to be a heavy read. The language is formal and the moral expectations are high, which can feel alienating to a modern sensibility accustomed to more psychological or nuanced portrayals of childhood development. However, there is a certain quiet dignity in the book’s portrayal of a family working together to maintain harmony. It serves as a fascinating, if sometimes rigid, window into the Victorian era’s belief that a child’s temper was a public duty to manage and a private struggle to conquer. It will appeal most to those who enjoy historical narratives that prioritize spiritual growth over plot-driven adventure.