Little Lord Fauntleroy

Frances Hodgson Burnett's Little Lord Fauntleroy is a children's classic novel that demonstrates how little children can affect the behavior of the adults surrounding them. The events revolve around the character of a young American named Cedric. His English father married his American mother in spite of his aristocratic family's disapproval of such a relation. Cedric's family lived in poverty in one of New York's popular neighborhoods and after the death of his father they received news from England informing them that Cedric is now heir to his grandfather's Earldom and wealth. The grandfather wants Cedric to move to England and to learn to be a nobleman. Yet, unexpectedly, when Cedric comes to live with him in his estate, the grandfather discovers a young man of incredible gentlemanly manners, modesty and wisdom. The Earl then starts to change his mind about Cedric's mother and to give up his old prejudices. Cedric indirectly teaches him to become a benefactor and to flood the poor and the needy with aids and gifts. Cedric's mother is eventually invited to live in the Earl's castle. The Earl learns that the nobility that he has always believed in and venerated actually lies in actions.