A Waif’s Progress by Rhoda Broughton is a poignant Victorian novel that delves into the social issues surrounding orphans and poverty. The story follows the journey of a young waif as she navigates the challenges of Victorian society, highlighting the struggles of personal and moral development against a backdrop of class mobility and social class constraints. Through the protagonist’s emotional journey, Broughton explores themes of redemption and character growth, offering a deep psychological study of resilience and survival. The novel portrays the harsh realities of family dynamics and the impact of social reform on individuals in distress. Broughton’s narrative presents a feminine perspective on these social issues, shedding light on the resilience required to overcome adversity. A Waif’s Progress serves as both a compelling character study and a critique of the social conditions of the time, providing readers with a rich historical context and a dramatic exploration of human endurance.