Katherine Paterson’s Novel: Should Lyddie Sign The Petition

Katherine Paterson’s historical fiction novel Lyddie has the main character decide whether she will sign a petition. Lyddie Worthen, an orphan girl who comes from Vermont, works hard to repay her mother’s financial debt. Diana Goss, an elderly woman, created a petition that was signed by all girls at the factory. It will express their disgust at the factory and be sent to the factory. Lyddie should not sign this petition, as it could negatively impact her.

Lyddie shouldn’t sign the petition, as she has to pay off her farm debt. Lyddie continues to work hard for her income. She worked hard to repay her debts. Lyddie, page88. It says, “So it is that when The Concord Corporation once further speeded-up machinery. She didn’t complain about the money. She is able to overcome all obstacles that are thrown at him in order to achieve her goal. Lyddie should not sign the petition to raise money. Lyddie should avoid signing the petition, as it will cost her a lot of money and she could be blacklisted. The girls agree to sign the petition at this point, but are afraid of being blacklisted and dismissed. “Lyddie,” page 91, 92. Betsy says that she has half an idea to sign the petition. What are you going to do without a job? You would be on the blacklist. Lyddie stated that Lyddie would not hire anyone else. This quote says that you will be fired and blacklisted if you sign the petition. Lyddie should not sign the petition. Lyddie could be putting her entire future at risk by signing. Lyddie will be able to save her own headaches if she doesn’t sign and skips the petition.

Lyddie shouldn’t sign the petition, as it could adversely affect her income. Some believe Lyddie should petition the factory to end her terrible wage conditions. Lyddie cannot help herself, however, because she is stated on page 100 that Lyddie was too busy to help anyone. Her production was so important that she could not be late or her wages would drop. Lyddie is not able to be distracted by signing petitions that will destroy her. Lydde should not sign the petition as she will lose her income. Lyddie is smart enough to not sign the petition.

Some will argue Lyddie should support the petition due to the factory’s poor working conditions. Lyddie, chapter 10, states that Lyddie could not breathe due to the poor quality of the air. Chapter 14 of Lyddie states that Betsy was happy to have a drawing room, but it wasn’t enough. The coughing continued. She continued to cough for days, first in their bedroom and then in the infirmary. Finally, Mrs. Bedlow demanded she be removed from the hospital. Lyddie is not required to sign the petition. This could lead to more sick workers.

Lyddie should also sign this petition, as she and other workers in the mill are not being paid enough for their hard work. Lyddie’s chapter 12 states that money is less important than time. It would be great if I could have two more hours in the evening. They explain that they work too hard and wish they had more time. In chapter 12, it says that employees are working longer hours and tending more machines. All of this has been done at an accelerated pace in order to make the corporation money. Our real wages have been decreasing more frequently than they have increased.” This means that more machines are requiring more work, and less pay. Lyddie could sign this petition for a better salary and more personal time.

After looking at both sides, it’s clear that Lyddie shouldn’t sign the petition. She will be negatively affected by it. It is also a bad idea for Lyddie to sign the petition as she will be blacklisted and it will damage her. She should not sign the petition. This will make her more peaceful and help her reach her goal of repaying her debt.