35 pages 1 hour read

P.L. Travers

Mary Poppins

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1934

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Character Analysis

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is a mysterious nanny who is transported to the Banks’s home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London very suddenly by the east wind. She comes without references, but her natural authority is apparent; thanks to her impeccable timing and assuring manner, Mrs. Banks hires her immediately. Mary Poppins may have a stern manner with the children, but she brings magic in many forms. She can pull objects large and small out of a carpet bag, she can speak in different animal languages and with babies, and she has other magical beings as friends. Mary Poppins enjoys spending time with her friend Bert the Match-Man and looking at her reflection in shop windows. She often displays a caustic demeanor to even her employers. Though she comes off as rude or haughty, the narrative hints at Mary Poppins’s heart of gold, especially at the end when she takes off suddenly but leaves presents for the Banks children behind. She stays with the Banks family until the west wind summons her away, but she promises in a note to Jane that they will meet again.

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