In the following essay, Pfaelzer asserts that Davis challenges the notion that women and slaves thrive in confinement in her stories “John Lamar” and “Blind Tom”.

In the following essay, Rose asserts that Davis uses the artist manque in “Life in the Iron Mills,” “Blind Tom,” and other stories to exorcise her desire to be an artist by simultaneously asserting her desire and denying it.

In the following essay, Harris maintains that “In the Market” is one of Davis's most feminist texts.

In the following essay, Austin details Davis's merits and shortcomings as an author, concluding that she succumbed to the mandates of the literary culture of her time.

In the following essay, Pfaelzer explores the autobiographical aspects of “Marcia”.

“‘Silhouettes of American Life’ by Rebecca Harding Davis,” in The Nation, Vol. 55, No. 1423, Oct. 6, 1892, p. 262. In the following review of Silhouettes of American Life, the human aspect of Davis's stories is noted and warmly received.