I think the most important
lessonlearns from Diana is that no matter how hard it is to get by in the world, it is both
important and possible to retain one's humanity while achieving one's
goals.
Diana, like Lyddie, faces tremendous odds in making it
on her own. She says,
"I was orphaned young. I'm
used to it. I suppose this mill is as much home as I can claim"
(Ch.11).
Known as a radical because of her active support
for the burgeoning labor movement, Diana never pressures others to adopt her ideas, and her
strongest purpose in life is to make things better for the factory girls and people in general
in whatever way she can.
When Lyddie first arrives in Lowell, it is Diana
who gives her writing materials and urges to let her family know where she is, and when Lyddie
is hurt in an accident in the factory, it is again Diana who helps her get medical attention.
Diana teaches Lyddie to work the looms on her first days at work, and puts Lyddie to shame when
she takes over Brigid's initiation, kindly showing the new girl the patience and reassurance
Lyddie cannot give because she is so obsessed with making as much money as she can. Through her
selflessness, Diana is a constant reminder to Lyddie of the importance of remaining human, and
when she leaves, it appears that her influence has had a lasting effect.
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