 
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Jordyn Seillier
HOW G.A. HENTY’S WORKS AFFIRM BOYS and GIRLS in their RIGHTFUL ROLES as MEN and WOMEN
From the days of Hannibal to the Ashanti War, G.A. Henty’s historical fiction continues to encourage godly characteristics and cultivate a love for history. The protagonists’ lives declare the rightful roles of men and women: Men courageously defend their homes, their countries and their religion. Women devote themselves to their homes and children, and are submissive to their husbands. In portraying such biblical roles, Henty inspires young people of today.
When we turn to God’s word, we find that courage, duty, sacrifice (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:6, Nehemiah 4:14), wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-24), sober-mindedness, patterning good works (Titus 2:6-8), and love for wives and family (Ephesians 5:25-32), are characteristics that describe the rightful role of a biblical man. The qualities of submission to husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24), virtuous and industrious womanhood (Proverbs 31:10-31), devotion to children and to the home (Titus 2:4,5), are traits that paint the rightful role of a godly woman. G.A. Henty’s works affirm boys and girls in these rightful roles by means of stirring examples.
Courage is displayed excellently by the young men in Henty’s stories. Whether they are battling vicious wolves in the snow in Winning His Spurs, attacking a fleet of Viking ships in The Dragon and the Raven, or fighting the giant army of the Aztecs in By Right of Conquest, Henty’s novels are replete with brave men who never grow faint-hearted.
Henty’s heroes are always dutiful. In By Sheer Pluck, Frank Hargate was being held captive by the Ashanti people when he was brought to the place of an ambush. The English were making for the mouth of the Prah River and were unaware that they were about to be attacked by the Ashantis. Frank was determined to cry out and warn his fellow country men, even if it cost his life.
Duty and sacrifice are often closely related. In Winning His Spurs, the dishonorable knight, Sir Rudolph, captures Cuthbert’s mother and says that he will execute her unless Cuthbert turns himself over instead. Cuthbert provides perhaps the best example of sacrifice when he agrees to give up his own life in exchange for his mother’s. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
The main characters are always wise, sober-minded, and intelligent. Their wisdom and clever strategy help them to get out of dangerous situations and give them the advantage in battle. When building a castle, for example, they think ahead and realize that a secret passage is essential. When rescuing a maiden, they devise ingenious plans and return successfully. Archie Forbes, in In Freedom’s Cause, suspects treachery and constructs a clever plan through which he obtains vital information from the town of Ayr, and this saves the life of William Wallace.
The Bible says that men must love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-32). The protagonists in Henty’s books are usually unmarried but they still show loyalty towards their future spouses. Edmund, the hero of The Dragon and the Raven, travels for months and is determined never to give up his expedition to save his fiancée, Freda. Freda had been captured by Edmund’s rival, Sweyn, who was resolute on forcing Freda to marry him. But because of Edmund’s faithfulness and love for Freda, she is rescued and returned to her father.
Henty’s focus in his novels is on young, chivalrous men but he does give depictions of godly women. In True to the Old Flag, Jane Welch, the wife of William Welch, is a good example of a wife of noble character. When the Welch house is threatened by an attack from a horde of Indians, Mrs. Welch stays faithful to her role as a wife and mother and continues to go about her usual work and provides for her family. Her love for her children is also clearly shown through her grief for her missing daughter, Nelly.
The wives in Henty’s novels are always submissive to their husbands and never quarrel against their decisions. Marjory Kerr, from In Freedom’s Cause, displays submission to her husband, Archie, calling him “my lord”. When Archie leaves his home to fight, she trembles at the thought of her husband being in danger, but Marjory submits to his decision and understands that it is Archie’s duty to defend.
Henty’s emphasis on young men that protect courageously is in itself a statement affirming the rightful biblical roles of men and women. Henty portrays men as the brave leaders and women as the home-keepers. Mr. Henty’s godly women never serve as soldiers. However, in By Sheer Pluck, an elite division of the Dahoman army is a group of women. But, these women belong to a wicked, ungodly civilization that delights in human sacrifice. Mr. Henty uses these people to show that when women take on a man’s role, (such as the Dahoman women) society degenerates.
Thus, G.A. Henty’s works affirm boys and girls in their rightful roles as men and women by providing examples of gallant manhood and virtuous womanhood. Mr. Henty almost speaks to the readers through his main characters. One can almost hear him saying, “Boys, be courageous, be chivalrous, get wisdom, get understanding! Girls, be industrious, be content at home, submit yourselves to God’s calling.” His writing style inspires his readers to follow their biblical roles and attain godly characteristics. The mark that he leaves in the reader’s mind never fades away.
Finally, it is interesting to see that the protagonists in Henty’s books always end up with happy, prosperous lives. They are blessed with wealth and children. This is because they keep to the laws of God and stay true to their biblical roles. “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in his commandments. His descendants will be mighty on the earth...wealth and riches will be in his house...” (Psalm 112:1-3)
ABOUT JORDYN SEILLIER
My name is Jordyn Seillier. I am currently living in San Antonio, Texas and I am home-schooled. I am 12 years old and the second of five children. In 1999, my family and I moved from South Africa to America. My hobbies include reading, writing, horseback riding, sword-collecting, and gardening.
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