Marcus; or, The Boy-Tamer

Chapter 2: PREFACE.

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

American Literature Children & Young Adult Reading

About This Book

The narrative follows a young boy whose mischief and self-will are gradually redirected by the patient example and guidance of older family members, illustrating that gentle, consistent influence trains a child to govern himself. Through everyday scenes at home, at school, and on the playground, short incidents reveal tendencies of juvenile character and the consequences of choices. Moral lessons and practical instruction are blended with amusing anecdotes to show how attentive, kind discipline can transform unruly habits into steady, responsible behavior.

PREFACE.

A leading aim of this little volume is to point out to elder brothers and sisters some of the ways in which they may exert a happy influence upon the younger members of the family. It also attempts, incidentally, to set forth the idea, that the best system of government for a child is that which trains him to govern himself. But while the author hopes his pages will not be wholly unsuggestive to such parents and “children of a larger growth” as may honor them with a perusal, he trusts there will remain enough both of story and moral for his younger readers, for whom, after all, Marcus and the other volumes of this series are especially intended.