The story of Little Fountleroy is no less popular than the story of Little Prince. Children are delighted to read this little novel. The work was conceived by the author specifically for them, but sometimes it will not be amiss to read it to adults. Simple truths revealed on the pages of the novel can affect the heart of any person.
Why read the Little Lord Fountleroy book?
If it so happened that you did not read this amazing work, then after reading the summary of “Little Lord Fountleroi” you will no longer be able to stop and will certainly want to read the whole book with your children.
Of course, this book must be read in childhood, along with Robinson Crusoe, The Three Musketeers, The Little Prince, and other beautiful works. Every child should read this novel at least once in his life, so that, as an adult, do not forget who he is. And to know that the most important thing in the life of each of us is family and love. Spend a couple of hours - you will not regret a single second.
Familiarization with the summary of “Little Lord Fountleroi” F. Burnett is worth starting with an answer to a difficult question. How to remain a man in the stiff world of English aristocrats? Such a non-childish question arises before a seven-year-old boy from America who, by the will of fate, suddenly fell into this circle. The reader, along with the heroes, can see what this newly-made little lord will be able to teach his grandfather and what it will all lead to.
F. Burnett, “Little Lord Fountleroy”: Summary
For a better understanding of the plot, the novel can be divided into several parts. It does not contain a prologue, but almost all copies of the work are provided with annotations and comments by translators. It is simply impossible to remain indifferent to each of the characters in the book. So, let's get acquainted with this story.
The beginning of the story
The novel begins on the dark streets of New York. The case takes place in the distant 80s of the XIX century. In one of the poor regions, an ordinary seven-year-old boy, Errol Cedric, lives. They live with their mother, Darling. That's what everyone calls her. This is where the story of little Lord Fountleroy begins. A summary of life describes Cedric's life until the death of his father. It was an ordinary family: mom, dad and a little boy. The boy's father is an Englishman, a descendant of a noble family, but nothing in him betrays this. The family is modest. Cedric's father is very sick and soon dies. And this event divides the life of the family into "before" and "after."
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Errol began to experience serious financial difficulties. Everything goes on as usual, and it would seem that such a life does not bode well for young Cedric. But fate brings him a surprise when lawyer Heavish crosses the threshold of their home.
He conveys a message from the Earl of Dorincort, which is Cedric's grandfather. From the summary in the letter, little Lord Fauntleroy finds out about his title. The old count, disappointed in his sons, wants to raise a grandson in accordance with his standards, as a true aristocrat and a descendant of the family. Grandfather offers Cedric the county land and estate. It would seem, what more could a poor boy wish for ?! But a prerequisite for this agreement is that Cedric's mother should no longer see him. In return, her grandfather offers her lifelong maintenance and housing. Mrs. Errol rejects the money offer.
London. Meeting grandfather
Cedric is forced to part with his mother and go to the UK. The old count is very pleased with his grandson, his manners and ability to keep himself. At the same time, the young man has a very fervent disposition and good-natured character. Cedric does not want to change himself and betray the ideals that his mother raised in him. Knowing what it is like to live in poverty and want, the little Count Errol treats poor people with sympathy and understanding. His new title did not spoil the character of the new count.
Hevish's lawyer has a positive opinion about the boy. He was particularly surprised by the fact that Cedric spent the money donated by his grandfather on gifts to his poor friends before leaving America. Heavish takes the side of the boy.
Despite the fact that the old Count Dorincort flattered about Cedric’s manners and his ability to keep himself in society, the boy’s kindness and courtesy become a problem. Grandfather wants to make the boy a true count in his own understanding. Stiff, arrogant, cold, proud grandfather dreams of creating Cedric in his own image and likeness.
Noting that this tactic is unsuccessful for the boy, Count Dorincort is trying in every possible way to present himself from the best side so as not to disappoint his grandson. And the reader may notice how the old count itself changes under the influence of Cedric.
The little count ultimately manages to awaken kindness and a sense of justice in grandfather. Cedric convinces his grandfather of the need to build new houses for those who rent his home. Looking at the flimsy and rotten buildings, he begs his grandfather to help the poor.
Also, the old count cannot look at the sadness of the boy in his native home and his mother. Cedric constantly speaks of her kindness and compassion.
False
But everything changes when another applicant for the inheritance is suddenly announced - the illegitimate child of the count’s eldest son. It immediately becomes apparent that the child and his mother are rude and mercantile people. A woman does not know how to stay in decent society, with all her behavior confirming bad manners. An American friend of the Cedric family is trying to figure out the truth. After a little investigation, the lie is revealed, the impostors are forced to retreat. Fraudsters hastily run away.
Happy ending
A summary of the adventures of little Lord Fountleroy ends well. After a precedent with scammers, the old count decides to make peace with his beautiful daughter-in-law. The little count meets his mother again, and his grandfather’s heart softens. Thus ends the summary of the story “Little Lord Fountleroi”.
We examined the highlights of this story. But it is simply impossible to convey the whole depth of human relationships that are born in these difficult conditions with the help of a brief summary of “Little Lord Fountleroy”. Be sure to read and draw your conclusions.