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How do I write an essay on why Lyddie should not sign the petition in Lyddie?

If you were writing an essay about why Lyddie should not sign the petition, you would want to include information on how Lyddie felt about the petition.  This shows her state of mind, and the information about the consequences of signing it.  Support your arguments with quotes from the book.


Lyddie is afraid to sign the petition because she values her job at the factory. She needs the money to pay off her family’s debts.  She hopes that one day she will be able to get the farm back and get all of her family back together.


Lyddie got her information about the petition from the other girls in her boarding house.  The petition is for a shorter work week for the girls.



"Time is more precious than money, Lyddie girl. If only I had two more free hours of an evening-what I couldn't do." 


"Should you sign the petition, Betsy, they'll dismiss you. I know they will." Amelia folded the handkerchief and handed it back to Lyddie with a nod. (Ch. 12) 



Lyddie also agrees with Amelia.  She does not want to risk signing the petition.  Lyddie is a hard worker, and money is more important to her than time.  She has not been at the factory long enough to be tired. 


Lyddie feels strongly about protecting her job, and she does not want any of the other girls to make trouble either. 



She wasn't a slave. She was a free woman of the state of Vermont, earning her own way in the world. Whatever Diana, or even Betsy, might think, she, Lyddie, was far less a slave than most any girl she knew of. They mustn't spoil it for her with their petitions and turnouts. They mustn't meddle with the system and bring it all clanging down to ruin. (Ch. 13) 



Eventually, Lyddie does decide to sign the petition and support Diana.  By then it has already failed.  She is more concerned about Diana, because she is pregnant and has to leave.

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