Maggie's Diary: A Victorian Tale of Betrayal and Survival
In Maggie's diary entry of November 9th, 1880, she recounts the devastating events of the day she was wrongfully dismissed from her job due to betrayal by Susan Bailey. As a Victorian housemaid, Maggie's world is turned upside down as she faces loss, distrust, and uncertainty about her future. Despite the bleak circumstances, she bravely considers seeking opportunities in London, highlighting themes of resilience and hope amidst adversity.
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Presentation Transcript
Maggie Johnsons Diary
Look back at your plan. Have you made notes recounting the events of the day when Maggie was dismissed? Is there anything extra you need to include?
Features of a Diary First person (you are Maggie!) Present tense to begin but the majority will be in past as the day has already happened Informal tone (but remember you re Victorian!) Chronological order Thoughts and feelings woven throughout!
Using a dash Dashes can be used in parenthesis E.g. Susan who was responsible for the situation had a smug smile on her face. A single dash can be used in informal writing to separate two main clauses. In this sentence, I replaced because with a dash. Make sure you have a main clause on either side! E.g. I m devastated that I didn t get a letter of commendation it is so difficult to get a job without one! See if you can use a dash in the place of a conjunction today!
November 9th 1880 Dear Diary, What an awful day! I ve lost my job, the roof over my head and my dignity! I m devastated! I should ve known better than trust Susan Bailey a leopard doesn t change its spots, does it? This morning began like all others. At 5am, in the pitch black of winter dawn, I started my duties. I lit the fire in preparation for Lady Willoughby to awake, collected warm water and assisted in the kitchen. For once, I seemed to be ahead of schedule but oh how the day turned! If only I d have known what Susan Bailey had in store for me. Before lunch, I was in the parlour sweeping Ma am s plush scarlet rug when I came across something most odd. Beneath the carpet was a golden florin. I knew I had to return it to Lady Willoughby at once there had been suspicions regarding a thief in the house for some time. At that moment, Susan entered the room and insisted she would take it to Ma am. How foolish I was to think that she was acting kindly perhaps it was my own fault for being too trusting. As soon as lunch was finished, I was summoned to Lady Willoughby s office and was taken aback by her abrupt greeting. Maggie Johnson, you bold girl, she exclaimed, Susan has informed me you attempted to steal this florin. I never would have thought this of you. In a state of terror, I tried to plead my innocence but fright caught my throat. I stood there speechless. How could Susan do such a thing? Immediately, I was dismissed and told I d receive no letter of commendation. Now I m back at mothers but I know I can t stay here we simply can t afford it. I ve heard London is a place of opportunity and that girls there can find work without a letter though the work can be dangerous I suppose it s a risk I need to take. Perhaps everything will work out. Maybe I ll be lucky
A checklist of what to include can be found on Seesaw. The model includes everything see if you can too!
This is on seesaw but remember to be selective! Perhaps is a vocab choice I would magpie but the thing is is not formal enough for Maggie Johnson.
How would Lady Willoughby remember this day? Who can come into the seat and act in role of Mrs Willoughby? Remember you are a wealthy Victorian lady who has discovered their maid is a thief!
How do you think she feels now the thief has been caught? Did she suspect Maggie? Is she grateful to Susan? Will she hire a replacement? How bold! No letter of commendation or personal character Susan Bailey Mrs Higgins
How will this diary differ to Maggie s? Different feelings Same event but through different eyes Lady Willoughby is wealthy and an adult. She will be much more formal (no contractions this time!)
November 9th 1880 Dear Diary, I have had an awful day! I have learned the identity of the thief in my employ and am bitterly disappointed. I trusted Maggie Johnson in my home and she has abused her position for her own gain. I have had no option but to dismiss her immediately. What a bold girl! I never suspected Maggie and am dejected due to her selfish actions. For several weeks, I have known there was a thief amongst the staff. At first my emerald broche, which was gifted to me by my grandmother disappeared. I assumed it had been misplaced but my suspicion grew when my diamond encrusted earrings also vanished. At the time, Maggie showed genuine concern and assured me she had not seen either item. Oh how thoughtless of me to accept her lies. I can be too trusting. Mrs Higgins suggested the florin under the carpet trick. I must admit I was apprehensive at first as I did not feel comfortable with such a calculated trick but alas it was necessary. Disbelief consumed my body when Susan reported it was Maggie, who had discovered the florin and attempted to take it. Thank goodness Susan saw her and prevented this from happening. Perhaps I am fortunate to have one loyal maid. After speaking with Susan, I summoned Maggie to my office. The audacious young girl pleaded her innocence, I didn t. I didn t, she claimed. Of course, she would lie after being caught. Maggie had been such a promising maid and so it broke my heart to dismiss her at once. I was also unable to give her a letter of commendation or personal character. I hope she never finds her way into the house of another: she cannot be trusted. Now I must begin looking for a replacement. This is such an inconvenience! People do not appreciate the difficulties I encounter being lady of the house. I suppose Maggie Johnson is trading my broche and earrings on the streets. What a dreadful day!
A checklist of what to include can be found on Seesaw. The model includes everything see if you can too! See how two items have been removed and another has a huge star next to it!
