Cover, 'Mary Bean or the Mysterious Murder,' 1851
New Hampshire Historical Society
“Cautionary tales” find their roots in folklore, warning audiences of potential danger and consequences. Mid-nineteenth century “mill girl” literature, which cautioned young women of dangers they may encounter working outside the family home, is a prime example.
These tales can be educational and entertaining but are not without criticism. Critiques include victim blaming, perpetuating stereotypes, moral ambiguity, and instilling preconceived ideas about gender roles and social behavior.
In parallel, this period saw a rise in fictionalized or exaggerated “true crime” literature, like the story of Mary Bean. The “based on a true story” genre intertwined cautionary tale components with “ripped from the headlines” events. Focused on entertainment rather than education, this genre often blurred the line between fact and fiction