In A Girl of the Limberlost, as in Freckles, a major concern is nature, especially the Limberlost Swamp. Useful outdoor work restores Philip Ammon's physical and psychological health, sharpens his social perceptions, and generally enhances his manliness. From the swamp Elnora Comstock gains an education superior to that any college can provide, and her responsibility is to persuade others of nature's importance so that the Limberlost, its creatures, and other elements of nature will be respected and preserved.

A secondary concern is self-improvement. One important tool is knowledge, but not necessarily formal education. Elnora believes high school and college will provide an escape from a dreary life, but ambition, perseverance, and hard work are really responsible for the improvements in her circumstances. Thus, Elnora embodies the work ethic, allowing Porter to comment upon the uselessness of some wealthy people, especially those women whose principal concerns are...