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Dear Enemy

Jean Webster (2017)

Genre

Children's / Historical Fiction / Young Adult / Romance

Reading Time

420 min

Key Themes

See below

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A spirited socialite's letters chronicle her unexpected transformation from reluctant orphanage manager to compassionate reformer, clashing with a cynical Scottish doctor and navigating a complicated engagement, all while challenging the staid expectations of early 20th-century society.

Synopsis

Sallie McBride, a lively society girl, reluctantly becomes interim superintendent of the John Grier Home orphanage at her best friend Judy Abbott's request. Overwhelmed by the poor conditions and unruly children at first, Sallie quickly works on radical changes. She argues with the rigid, outdated board of trustees, especially the stern Dr. MacRae, whom she calls 'Dear Enemy' because of their frequent disagreements. Sallie brings in modern sanitation, proper nutrition, and educational programs, making the asylum a more humane place. During her time there, Sallie receives a marriage proposal from the wealthy Congressman Gordon Hallock. Their engagement creates social expectations she struggles with. However, her deep involvement with the children and her growing, though conflicted, respect for Dr. MacRae pull her in another direction. A measles outbreak at the orphanage tests Sallie's resolve and brings her closer to Dr. MacRae. Gordon gives her an ultimatum, forcing Sallie to choose between her societal obligations and her work at the asylum. She breaks off her engagement, realizing her true feelings for Dr. MacRae. Dr. MacRae, in turn, tells Sallie he loves her, and they begin a future together, committed to improving the children's lives at the John Grier Home.
Reading time
420 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Witty, Uplifting, Romantic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy classic epistolary novels, stories about social reform and finding one's purpose, or charming, witty romances with strong female protagonists.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike older prose styles, stories told exclusively through letters, or books with a slower, character-driven pace.

Plot Summary

Sallie Arrives at the Asylum

Sallie McBride, a recent college graduate and socialite, receives a letter from her best friend, Judy Abbott (now Mrs. Jervis Pendleton). Judy urges her to take over as temporary superintendent of the John Grier Asylum. The asylum, where Judy grew up, is in a bad state, and the previous superintendent has just left. Sallie, at first horrified by leaving her comfortable life, eventually agrees, mainly out of loyalty to Judy and the Pendleton family, who are trustees. She arrives at the remote, rundown institution, immediately overwhelmed by the squalor, the many neglected children, and the stern, uncooperative resident doctor, Robin 'Sandy' MacRae. Her first letters to Judy express her shock and despair over the conditions and her own unsuitability for the task.

Initial Battles and Reforms

When she arrives, Sallie immediately sees the bad conditions of the John Grier Asylum: unsanitary facilities, not enough food, and neglected children. Dr. MacRae, the resident physician, is at first hostile and critical of Sallie's inexperience, often arguing with her about her suggestions for improvement. Despite his rough manner, Sallie starts to see Dr. MacRae is truly dedicated to the children's welfare, though he is cynical and set in his ways. Sallie, using her wit and unusual methods, begins to make small changes—improving the children's diet, bringing in hygiene practices, and trying to bring some joy into their lives. She writes to Judy and Jervis Pendleton, asking for their support and advice, and begins to respect Dr. MacRae, whom she calls 'Dear Enemy' in her letters to him.

A New Ward and Budget Woes

Sallie finds that the asylum's budget is very tight, making her reform efforts harder. She dedicates herself to understanding the finances and finding ways to make improvements without too much cost. She also becomes more concerned about the children's health, especially the common infectious diseases because of overcrowding and poor sanitation. Inspired by Dr. MacRae's medical knowledge and her own growing commitment, Sallie suggests building a new, separate ward for sick children. This big project needs significant fundraising and political work, which she takes on with Jervis Pendleton's support and her own social connections, including Congressman Gordon Hallock.

Gordon Hallock's Proposal

Congressman Gordon Hallock, a wealthy and influential suitor from Sallie's New York social circle, visits the asylum. He is charmed by Sallie's dedication and her change from a frivolous socialite into a compassionate superintendent. During his visit, Gordon proposes marriage to Sallie. She is torn at first, as marrying Gordon would mean returning to her comfortable life and leaving the asylum, a thought that now fills her with unexpected dread. She asks Judy, who advises her to follow her heart. Sallie eventually accepts Gordon's proposal, believing it is the sensible and expected path for her, but she feels strangely unenthusiastic about the engagement. She senses a growing distance between her former life and her new purpose at the asylum.

Growing Affection and Misunderstandings

As Sallie and Dr. MacRae continue to work closely, their professional relationship slowly becomes a deeper, unspoken affection. Dr. MacRae, despite his gruff manner, begins to show Sallie more warmth and respect, even defending her to others. However, his jealousy of Gordon Hallock becomes more evident, leading to more frequent, though veiled, arguments between Sallie and her 'Dear Enemy.' Sallie, still engaged to Gordon, finds herself more confused by her feelings. She realizes the vast difference between Gordon's world and the fulfilling, if challenging, life she has built at the asylum, a life intimately shared with Dr. MacRae and the children. She starts to question her engagement and her future.

The Measles Outbreak

A measles outbreak sweeps through the John Grier Asylum, infecting many children and overwhelming the limited staff. Sallie and Dr. MacRae work tirelessly, side-by-side, day and night, to care for the sick. The crisis shows their deep commitment and mutual respect. During this time of intense stress and shared responsibility, their emotional bond grows stronger. Sallie sees Dr. MacRae's deep compassion and skill as a physician, while he sees her courage, resilience, and genuine love for the children. The shared experience solidifies their partnership and brings their unspoken feelings to the surface, making Sallie's engagement to Gordon feel increasingly wrong.

Gordon's Ultimatum and Sallie's Choice

After the measles epidemic ends, Gordon Hallock returns, expecting Sallie to finalize wedding plans and leave the asylum. He expresses his disapproval of her continued involvement with the institution and the rustic lifestyle, making it clear that he expects her to return to her former social life as his wife. Gordon's ultimatum forces Sallie to face her true feelings. She realizes that she cannot leave the children or the work she has grown to love, nor can she deny her deep connection with Dr. MacRae. The contrast between Gordon's expectations and her own desires becomes clear, showing that her heart no longer lies with her fiancé or her old life.

The Broken Engagement

With a heavy but firm heart, Sallie writes to Gordon Hallock, breaking off their engagement. She explains that she has changed and that her life at the asylum has given her a purpose she cannot leave. This decision is a major moment, showing her complete change from a superficial socialite to a dedicated humanitarian. The news gets mixed reactions; Judy is supportive, while her social circle is confused. Sallie feels a deep sense of relief and clarity, even though she is now unsure of her future, especially regarding Dr. MacRae. She is committed to staying at the asylum and continuing her work, regardless of personal sacrifice.

Dr. MacRae's Confession

After Sallie breaks her engagement, the tension between her and Dr. MacRae becomes clear. One evening, Dr. MacRae finally drops his gruff manner and tells Sallie he deeply loves her. He admits his jealousy of Gordon and his fear of losing her. He proposes marriage, expressing his admiration for her strength, compassion, and dedication to the children. Sallie, who has secretly loved him for some time, is very happy and accepts his proposal. This long-awaited moment marks the end of their complex relationship, changing their 'Dear Enemy' dynamic into one of deep love and partnership. They imagine a future together, dedicated to improving the children's lives at the asylum.

A Future for the Asylum and the Couple

Sallie and Dr. MacRae begin to plan their wedding, much to the delight of Judy and Jervis Pendleton. They are not only planning a life together but also a shared future for the John Grier Asylum. With Sallie's administrative skills and Dr. MacRae's medical knowledge, they form a strong team. They continue to make changes, secure funding for the new ward, and work towards creating a truly nurturing environment for the children. The letters end with Sallie, no longer calling him 'Dear Enemy' but 'Dear Love,' expressing her deep happiness and her strong commitment to her husband, her work, and the children, having found her true calling and her true love in an unexpected place.

Principal Figures

Sallie McBride

The Protagonist

Sallie transforms from a reluctant, city-dwelling socialite into a dedicated and compassionate superintendent, finding her true calling and love at the John Grier Asylum.

Robin 'Sandy' MacRae

The Love Interest/Supporting

He gradually sheds his cynicism and gruffness, revealing his deep compassion and love for Sallie, ultimately finding happiness and partnership.

Judy Abbott Pendleton

The Supporting

Judy consistently provides unwavering support and wise counsel to Sallie, embodying a steadfast and nurturing presence throughout the narrative.

Jervis Pendleton

The Supporting

Jervis consistently offers practical support and financial backing, ensuring the feasibility of Sallie's reform initiatives at the asylum.

Gordon Hallock

The Supporting

Gordon serves as a catalyst for Sallie's self-discovery, ultimately being rejected as she chooses a life of purpose over societal expectations.

Miss Snaith

The Supporting

Initially resistant to change, Miss Snaith slowly adapts and becomes a more cooperative, albeit still traditional, member of the asylum staff under Sallie's influence.

The Children of the Asylum

The Supporting/Mentioned

Their collective well-being improves dramatically under Sallie's and Dr. MacRae's care, symbolizing the success of the reforms.

George, The Gardener

The Supporting

George transitions from skeptical observer to a loyal and essential supporter of Sallie's reform efforts.

Themes & Insights

Transformation and Self-Discovery

The main theme of 'Dear Enemy' is Sallie McBride's change. She starts as a socialite, valuing comfort and societal expectations. Through her experiences at the John Grier Asylum, she discovers a deep capacity for compassion, leadership, and purpose. Her initial reluctance becomes strong dedication, leading her to put the children's welfare before her own social standing or comfort. This journey ends with her breaking off her engagement to Gordon Hallock and choosing a life of service and love with Dr. MacRae, showing a complete redefinition of her identity and values. The asylum, at first a dreaded obligation, helps her find her true self.

“I used to think that life meant having a good time, but I've found out that it means doing something worthwhile.”

— Sallie McBride

Duty Versus Desire

Sallie constantly struggles with the conflict between what she thinks she should do and what she personally wants. At first, she takes on the asylum superintendency out of duty to Judy and the Pendleton family, sacrificing her comfortable life. This external duty slowly becomes an internal desire to improve the children's lives. This theme is most clear in her engagement to Gordon Hallock, which represents her societal duty and expected future. Her eventual decision to break the engagement, choosing the challenging life at the asylum and her love for Dr. MacRae, shows her triumph of genuine desire and purpose over societal expectations and obligations. Dr. MacRae also shows this, as his duty to the children often hides his deeper desires.

“I'm perfectly miserable about Gordon, and yet I know I'm doing the right thing. It's the first time I've ever done anything absolutely for myself.”

— Sallie McBride

Compassion and Social Reform

The novel shows the importance of compassion and the need for social reform, especially for neglected children. The bad conditions of the John Grier Asylum show how society was indifferent. Sallie, at first naive, becomes a strong advocate for the children, making changes that improve their health, education, and general well-being. Her efforts, supported by Judy and Jervis, show that individual compassion can lead to system-wide change. The book supports the idea that every child deserves a chance at a healthy and happy life, and that dedicated individuals can make a big difference when there is widespread neglect. Dr. MacRae's often hidden compassion is also central to this theme.

“It isn't enough just to feed them and clothe them; they need love and individual attention.”

— Sallie McBride

The Power of Love (Romantic and Philanthropic)

Love appears in many forms throughout the novel. The romantic love between Sallie and Dr. MacRae develops slowly, overcoming initial dislike and societal differences. It eventually becomes a partnership built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and deep affection. This love contrasts with the more superficial affection Gordon Hallock offers. Beyond romance, the novel emphasizes philanthropic love—the deep, selfless love Sallie develops for the children of the asylum. This love becomes her main motivation, changing her life and driving her reform efforts. The intertwining of these loves suggests that true happiness comes from both personal connection and a meaningful contribution to others' well-being.

“He's just my Dear Enemy, and I hate him. And I love him. Oh, the complications of being me!”

— Sallie McBride

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Epistolary Format

The entire novel is told through Sallie McBride's letters.

The epistolary format is the primary narrative device, with the entire story unfolding through letters written by Sallie McBride to various correspondents: Judy Abbott, Jervis Pendleton, Gordon Hallock, and Dr. MacRae (her 'Dear Enemy'). This device offers unique insights into Sallie's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, often revealing different facets of her personality depending on the recipient. It allows the reader to experience her transformation directly and intimately, as she confides her struggles, triumphs, and growing affections. The changes in her tone and content for each character subtly highlight the evolving nature of her relationships and her own self-awareness, making her journey deeply personal and engaging.

'Dear Enemy' Salutation

Sallie's recurring, affectionate, and ironic address to Dr. MacRae.

The 'Dear Enemy' salutation, used by Sallie in her letters to Dr. MacRae, serves as a significant literary device. It encapsulates the complex, evolving nature of their relationship, marking their initial antagonism, his gruff demeanor, and the underlying, unspoken affection that grows between them. This ironic address highlights their intellectual sparring and professional clashes while subtly hinting at the romantic tension. As their relationship deepens, the salutation becomes increasingly tinged with fondness and playful affection, eventually giving way to 'Dear Love,' symbolizing the complete transformation of their dynamic from adversaries to partners and lovers. It provides a running commentary on their unique bond.

The John Grier Asylum

A symbolic setting representing societal neglect and the potential for reform.

The John Grier Asylum itself functions as a powerful plot device and symbol. Initially, it represents squalor, neglect, and the indifference of society towards its most vulnerable members. Its rundown condition and the suffering of its children serve as the catalyst for Sallie's transformation and the central challenge of the narrative. As Sallie implements reforms, the asylum becomes a symbol of hope, progress, and the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on social institutions. Its physical transformation mirrors Sallie's personal growth, evolving from a place of despair to one of nurturing and potential, reflecting the success of her and Dr. MacRae's shared vision.

Foil Characters (Gordon Hallock vs. Dr. MacRae)

Two suitors representing contrasting lifestyles and values for Sallie.

Gordon Hallock and Dr. Robin MacRae serve as distinct foil characters, presenting Sallie with two profoundly different paths and value systems. Gordon represents Sallie's past life of wealth, social standing, and superficiality, offering a return to comfort and societal expectations. Dr. MacRae, on the other hand, embodies a life of purpose, dedication, intellectual challenge, and genuine, albeit gruff, compassion. The contrast between them forces Sallie to confront her true desires and values. Her ultimate choice of MacRae over Hallock is a definitive statement about her transformation and the kind of life she truly wishes to lead, prioritizing meaningful work and authentic connection over societal prestige.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“I'm not a bit afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.”

— Sallie McBride's declaration of independence and resilience.

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”

— Sallie reflects on building relationships at the orphanage.

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

— Sallie's thoughts on personal growth and challenges.

“Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.”

— Sallie's philosophical musing on the nature of happiness.

“The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

— Sallie advises on finding joy through helping others.

“I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”

— Sallie expresses optimism and contentment with life.

“It's so easy to be wicked without knowing it, isn't it?”

— Sallie reflects on unintentional harm and moral awareness.

“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.”

— Sallie values the importance of companionship and community.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

— Sallie's bold perspective on embracing life's challenges.

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

— Sallie encourages proactive engagement with others.

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.”

— Sallie emphasizes self-reliance and personal identity.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

— Sallie reflects on the lasting impact of love and memories.

“It is not so much what you have, but what you do with what you have.”

— Sallie's advice on resourcefulness and making the best of circumstances.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

— Sallie inspires hope and ambition for the future.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

'Dear Enemy' follows Sallie McBride, a spirited young woman who temporarily takes over as superintendent of the John Grier Home orphanage. Through her letters, the story details her humorous and heartfelt efforts to reform the institution, her evolving relationships with the orphans and staff, and her romantic entanglements with Congressman Gordon Hallock and the gruff doctor Robin 'Sandy' MacRae.

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