The Best Mother Figures in Literature

“You - will - never - touch - our - children - again!"

Molly Weasley is the true definition of a mama bear, ferocious and fierce when necessary, but also deeply caring and nurturing. She faces down Bellatrix Lestrange, endures Fred and George’s endless foibles, and adopts Harry as if he’s one of her own. Molly is a powerful example of motherhood that knows no bounds and will extend its love and affection to anyone who needs it.

Dickon is one of the most magical characters in The Secret Garden–until you meet his mom. If you ever wondered how such a young boy could be so wise and wonderful, Susan Sowerby is your answer. The embodiment of nurturing love, Susan has ten children–including Martha and Dickon–but still finds time to care for Colin and Mary. She brings them food despite being poor and takes a big risk by speaking above her station when she advocates for Mary to Mr. Craven. Susan Sowerby’s quiet generosity and bravery make the world of The Secret Garden a far better place.

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‍Marilla Cuthbert is a challenging character to read, cool and unemotional, she rarely reveals herself and Anne struggles to form a close connection with her. As stubborn as Anne herself, it is no wonder the two often butted heads! Despite her chill demeanor, however, Marilla is a reminder that motherhood comes in different forms. She may not be the warmest, but she adopts and raises Anne and eventually realizes that changing her is impossible. Perhaps the most powerful indicator of motherhood is accepting our children for who they are, even when they aren’t what you imagined.

‍Like so many white children in the South, Lily in The Secret Life of Bees is essentially raised by her Black nanny, Rosaleen. Rosaleen is the only mother figure Lily has and the only person in her corner when her abusive father lashes out. She is also fiercely courageous, spitting on some white men who accost her on her way to voter registration, even though it means she is arrested and she and Lily have to flee town. She may not be Lily’s biological mother, but she protects, guides, and raises her the way any good mother would.

‍Her name says it all. Miss Honey is sweet and wonderful, but she is also an astute observer. She is the only adult who notices Matilda’s genius and advocates for her to be moved up to a higher class. When that fails, she brings her books to read so the girl’s intelligence can grow. She eventually adopts Matilda, giving the little girl the home and family she always deserved.

For so many of us, Caroline Ingalls, better known as “Ma” is the quintessential mother figure. Warm and caring, yet fiercely protective, we all deserve a mom like Ma. The realist to her husband's dreamy idealism, Ma worked hard to ensure her kids were always clothed, fed, housed, and protected. If that seems like the bare minimum, try traveling west in a horse-drawn carriage!