Ishmael; Or, In the Depths

"Ishmael; Or, In the Depths" by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story explores themes like social class, love, and personal triumph through the experiences of its characters, particularly focusing on the lives of two orphaned sisters, Hannah and Nora Worth. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the sisters living in a humble hut, symbolizing their poverty and social status. As they prepare to attend a birthday celebration for the young heir, Herman Brudenell, their interactions reveal their personalities—Hannah is practical, while Nora is youthful and flirtatious. The contrast between their lives and the opulence of Brudenell Hall sets the stage for conflicts that emerge from class differences and romantic entanglements, hinting at the tumultuous journey the sisters will face in their pursuit of happiness and belonging in a society that often judges by wealth and status.