Purple Jar, The
by Maria Edgeworth | Grades 9-12
"The Purple Jar" by Maria Edgeworth is about a young girl named Rosamond who learns a valuable lesson about decision-making and priorities. Eager to buy a beautiful purple jar she spots in a shop window, Rosamond convinces her mother to allow her to spend her money on it instead of much-needed new shoes. However, she soon discovers that the jar is merely a glass bottle filled with colored liquid, leading to a moment of regret and understanding about the importance of practicality over superficial desires. Through Rosamond's experience, Edgeworth masterfully imparts a timeless message about the consequences of impulsive choices and the value of wisdom.