Happiness has elusive qualities that make it seem just out of reach. All around us are messages that possessions are the key to the happiness that we are longing for. Or, happiness is achieving success in some endeavor. But what if happiness cannot be attained that way? What if happiness is instead something deeper than that? What if it is, instead, an underlying sense that all is right with the world? Understood Betsy, by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, takes us on our journey that leads to greater understanding of this search for happiness.
Elizabeth Ann was coddled for the first nine years of her life. Her great Aunt Harriet and her Aunt Frances were doting and hovering care givers. In their over-zealousness, they instilled nervousness and fear into the heart of little Elizabeth Ann. Unexpectedly, a situation arises which turns Elizabeth Ann’s world upside down. She finds herself on a train, alone, headed to live with the dreaded Putney cousins.
The Putney cousins were, in reality, made up of Uncle Henry, Aunt Abigail, and Cousin Ann. From the start, they affectionately referred to Elizabeth Ann as Betsy. This seemingly small change in name significantly foreshadows the large changes that are soon to come to Betsy. From the very first moments, Betsy encounters a whole new way of seeing the world around her. She discovers what it is like to think for herself for the very first time in her life,
The author, in the voice of the narrator, gives glimpses into the transformations that are occurring within Betsy’s inner world. We come to see how learning makes its way out of the classroom and connects to everyday life. Importantly, Betsy comes to realize that failure is not the end, but rather another way to learn valuable life lessons. Her ability to recognize and have empathy for the needs of others blossoms. And she learns, to her own surprise, to rise up and take charge when a situation requires decisive action.
The end of the story brings with it yet another unexpected turn of events. The outcome rests squarely with Betsy, who meets it with determination to do the right thing. In the end, Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, leaves us with a glimpse into that which might define the happiness we all seek.