A Tribute to Mothers: Favorite Literary Moms We Love

Happy late Mother’s Day to all the women who serve as motherly figures!

I wanted to do a special post in honor of this celebratory day. As readers, we love reading about the main heroes and heroines, but what we don’t often notice or think about nearly as much are the women that raised them, the ones who helped the character become who they are today in their story. Whether it’s nurturing Ma Ingalls or Hannah Gruen, who served as Nancy Drew’s mother figure, special women in our lives help us become who we need to be. In today’s post, I am placing a spotlight on some of my favorite mother figures in well-known literature today.

Cheerful and warm Caroline Ingalls

“What must be done is best done cheerfully.”

In the famous Little House on the Prairie books, readers fall in love with Laura and her family. Yet perhaps one of my favorite characters in the book is her mother, Caroline. Caroline is a warm sense of peace and home throughout each one of the books, and it’s beautiful to see the love and grace she shares with each of her children.

Nurturing and Loving Hannah Gruen

“You’re taking too many risks, Nancy!”

Hannah Gruen from the beloved detective series Nancy Drew is a perfect example of someone who is perhaps not directly handed the task of being a mother but chooses to take on the role. While not biologically related to Nancy, she truly does play the role of a mom to her. Always loving, and maybe worrisome at times, the devotion and passion she shows Nancy is a beautiful thing.

Wise and Tender Marmee

“Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Forgive her and start again tomorrow.”

Perhaps one of the most recognized mothers in literature, Marmee is a mom of four girls, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. She takes on all the responsibility of caring and nourishing her family since her husband was in the war. Acting as a single parent, she loves and cherishes each of her girls and raises them with a respect and beauty that is all her own. Her deep love is clear and truly shows.

Sweet Miss Honey

“I don’t believe we should be frightened of it. I think it’s something to do with that incredible mind of yours.”

Matilda did not have any adults in her life to look up to. Her family prided and doted upon their son, but Matilda was simply a burden to them. At such a young age, it’s important to have those role models to look up to and to aspire to be like. When Miss Honey saw that Matilda was not blessed with those opportunities, she stepped in and claimed responsibility in many ways over Matilda. She absolutely became a mother figure to Matilda. 💗💕

All of these mother figures significantly impact the story and the life of the main character. Are there any nurturing women in literature that you can think of?

Again, happy late Mother’s Day!

I love you, Mom. 💗💕✨