The Face of the Fields by Dallas Lore Sharp

The narrative explores the intricate dynamics of life and death in nature, emphasizing the constant presence of predators and prey. It begins with a hawk's swift attack on a hen, illustrating the suddenness of death in the wild. The hens, initially fearful, quickly return to their routine, highlighting the transient nature of fear. The text contrasts the instinctual reactions of animals to danger with a deeper philosophical reflection on the essence of life, joy, and the fleeting nature of fear. Through vivid descriptions of various animal encounters, including foxes, rabbits, and birds, the author illustrates the thrill of the chase and the balance of life in the wild. The narrative suggests that while death is an inevitable part of existence, it does not overshadow the joy of living. The animals experience moments of fear, but these are brief and do not define their existence. Instead, the overarching theme is one of resilience and the celebration of life, where the spirit of joy prevails over fear. The work ultimately posits that life is a continuous assertion of existence, marked by action and joy, rather than a preoccupation with death.

By Dallas Lore Sharp · First published 1938 · Genre: Nature, Non-Fiction, Environmental Writing · 9 chapters · 53,100 words

First lines

There was a swish of wings, a flash of gray, a cry of pain, a squawking, cowering, scattering flock of hens, a weakly fluttering pullet, and yonder, swinging upward into the October sky, a marsh hawk, buoyant and gleaming silvery in the sun. Over the trees he beat, circled once, and disappeared.

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What this Textopian page supports

The Face of the Fields is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dallas Lore Sharp, dated 1938 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Dallas Lore Sharp
• Date: 1938 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Nature, Non-Fiction, Environmental Writing, Autobiography
• Length: 53,100 words
• Structure: 9 chapters, 590 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Face of the Fields by Dallas Lore Sharp
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

• The Sign Of The Shad Bush by Dallas Lore Sharp
• An Account With Nature by Dallas Lore Sharp
• The Spring Of The Year by Dallas Lore Sharp
• Roof And Meadow by Dallas Lore Sharp
• June by Dallas Lore Sharp
• The Adders Siesta by Grant Allen

Genres

• Nature — The book is a collection of essays capturing the author's observations of the outdoors.
• Non-Fiction — The book presents various real life encounters with nature and wildlife.
• Environmental Writing — The author provides descriptive narratives on environmental and ecological aspects of fields.
• Autobiography — The book contains personal anecdotes and experiences of the author's outdoors encounters.

Tags

nature · agriculture · rural life · landscapes · farming · wildlife · seasons · environment · countryside · flora · fauna · harvest

Contents

• THE FACE OF THE FIELDS
• TURTLE EGGS FOR AGASSIZ
• THE EDGE OF NIGHT
• THE SCARCITY OF SKUNKS
• THE NATURE-WRITER
• JOHN BURROUGHS
• HUNTING THE SNOW
• THE CLAM FARM: A CASE OF CONSERVATION
• THE COMMUTER'S THANKSGIVING

More by Dallas Lore Sharp

• The Seer of Slabsides (1921)
• Roof and Meadow (1928)
• The Hills of Hingham (1923)
• A Watcher in the Woods (1940)
• The Spring of the Year (1927)
• Summer (1948)
• Winter (1925)
• The Fall of the Year (1923)
• All works by Dallas Lore Sharp