Sowing and Reaping: A Temperance Story

Name: Sowing and Reaping: A Temperance Story
Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

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About This Book

The narrative contrasts two men whose choices illuminate the social and moral consequences of alcohol and ambition. One pursues wealth and worldly success with little regard for conscience, accepting a saloon business despite domestic strain; the other, raised by a mother scarred by a husband's descent into intemperance, cultivates compassion, self-control, and ethical restraint. Through domestic scenes, business dealings, and moral debate, the work examines temperance, the clash between profit and principle, the effects of drinking on families, and the possibilities for personal responsibility, charity, and moral recovery.

About the Author

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825-1911) was an influential African American poet, novelist, and activist known for her powerful literary contributions and advocacy for social justice. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she became one of the first African American women to publish a novel, "Iola Leroy; Or, Shadows Uplifted," which addresses themes of race and gender. Harper's poetry, including collections like "Atlanta Offering: Poems," reflects her deep commitment to abolitionism and women's rights. Throughout her life, she was a prominent speaker at anti-slavery and women's suffrage events, using her voice to champion equality and justice. Her works remain significant in American literature and the fight for civil rights.

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