Louisa May Alcott wrote “An Old Fashioned Girl”, a story about Polly Milton. She has been raised in the country. She is plain and simple in her habits and dress. She is not given to airs and takes herself as she is. She is invited to visit her friend Fanny Shaw, who is from a wealthy family in the city.
She first meets Tom, Fanny’s brother, who is impressed with her despite himself. She also meets many of Fanny’s friends, who make fun of her. She found herself in a new world, where everything was strange.
Slowly, Polly finds herself drawn into the new life but returns home. Later she comes back to the city as a teacher. She brings with her old fashioned values and begins to make an impression on all. As time passes, she settles in and Tom begins to like her more and more.
Polly meets Syd and is initially impressed with him. But her inner values began to tell her he is not for her. She tries to interest him in Fanny, who does like him. Tom becomes engaged to Trix, who treats him poorly. Eventually he breaks it off. Maud becomes interested in Will, who wishes to be a minister. Tom then is expelled from school and has many debts. Tom finds his father now has no money. They give up their big house and move to the small one Grandmother left, but all pull together. They learn about their previous life and the costs of everything, Polly helps them with her perspective.
As the new life for the Shaws progresses, Polly takes a more active role with them. Tom is given his freedom by Trix and Syd pays off his debts. Tom has matured through the process and goes West to work. Polly finds herself in love with him. Fanny gets engaged to Syd. Tom returns and Polly finds that she loves him and they vow to marry.
