Deacon Taylor by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative centers on a character who presents himself as a pious member of the community, actively involved in the church and a staunch supporter of prohibition. However, the reality of his life starkly contrasts with his public persona. He reveals that while the villagers believe he succumbed to a harmless indulgence, the truth is far more tragic: he suffered from cirrhosis of the liver due to his long-standing secretive drinking habit. For thirty years, he has been clandestinely consuming alcohol, hidden behind the facade of a respectable life. The character's internal conflict highlights the hypocrisy of societal norms and the struggle between personal desires and public expectations. His reflections expose the duality of human nature, where outward appearances can mask deeper truths. The work delves into themes of morality, addiction, and the complexities of identity, illustrating how societal pressures can lead individuals to live inauthentic lives. The protagonist's confession serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition, revealing the often-hidden struggles that lie beneath the surface of community life. The narrative invites readers to consider the consequences of societal judgment and the personal battles that many face in silence. Through this exploration, the work critiques the rigid moral standards imposed by society and the often tragic outcomes of living a life dictated by external expectations rather than personal truth.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Social Commentary · 84 words
First lines
I belonged to the church, And to the party of prohibition;
And the villagers thought I died of eating watermelon.
In truth I had cirrhosis of the liver, For every noon for thirty years, I slipped behind the prescription partition In Trainor's drug store And poured a generous drink From the bottle marked "Spiritus frumenti. "
What this Textopian page supports
Deacon Taylor is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Poetry, Social Commentary, Character Study, Historical Fiction
- Length: 84 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Deacon Taylor by Edgar Lee Masters
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Deacon Taylor?
- How does this short story by Edgar Lee Masters fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of morality, societal expectations, and personal struggles, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Poetry — The work's structure and use of rhythm and imagery align it with poetic forms.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms, particularly regarding religion and prohibition, reflecting social issues of the time.
- Character Study — The focus on the protagonist's internal conflicts and life choices emphasizes character development.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Setting · Rural Life · Small Town America · Human Nature · Moral Ambiguity