Summary:
"Marta" by Eliza Orzeszkowa is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Marta, a young widow navigating the struggles of motherhood and poverty in Warsaw. As she reflects on her past and contemplates her future, she grapples with societal expectations of women and the harsh realities of her new life. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Marta as she stands on the threshold of a new chapter in her life, surrounded by the remnants of her past following her husband's death. Dispossessed, she faces the emotional and financial challenges of single motherhood, with her daughter Janja as her only companion. As they move into a new, more modest apartment, the narrative delves into Marta's memories of her happier days, contrasting her past joys with her current hardships. The opening captures Marta's vulnerability while hinting at her determination to forge a better future for herself and her child despite the obstacles ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)