I love the book, Little Lord Fauntleroy, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, for its charming simplicity. In the midst of an engaging tale, the character of one small boy shines through with stellar brightness. Cedric lives his life under the careful guidance of his widowed mother. As a result of her tender influence, he becomes a friendly, thoughtful, unselfish person. He lives amongst the people of his New York City neighborhood, considering those he meets to be his personal friend and putting their needs above his own.
In an unexpected turn of events, Cedric is called to England by his paternal grandfather. Cedric is to become the next Earl of Darincourt, following in the footsteps of the old Earl himself. In his goodness and other-centeredness, Cedric provides the perfect contrast to his grandfather’s meanness and selfishness. Having thought of no one but himself over his lifetime, the Earl finds himself miserably dissatisfied with life. He has very low expectations of his American-born grandson. Nevertheless, Cedric comes to England accompanied by his mother, whom the great Earl decidedly dislikes.
What follows is a lovely story of the power of goodness to transform the lives of people in its wake. Cedric wins the favor of not only his disgruntled grandfather, but also of all those that he meets within the earldom. As in his New York City neighborhood, Cedric looks for ways to help those in need. Accordingly, he brings the needs to the attention of his grandfather confidently believing that his grandfather will bring about good.
Through many twists and turns, many letters to and fro across the Atlantic, and many acts of generosity, Cedric brings a softening and deep transformation to the heart of the old Earl. In Little Lord Fauntleroy, Frances Hodgson Burnett winsomely portrays the virtue of good character. Cedric shines brightly as an example to us all.