Felix Schmidt by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative centers on a man who reflects on his life, particularly the struggles he faced while trying to provide for his family. He describes his modest home and the challenges of raising multiple children, alongside a sick wife. The story unfolds with a legal dispute over land ownership, instigated by a lawyer's advice. The protagonist learns that a neighboring landowner, Christian Dallman, legally acquired the land that he believed was rightfully his during a tax sale while his father was dying. Despite his efforts to contest the ownership, the evidence reveals that Dallman's claim is legitimate, leading to the protagonist's defeat in court. This loss not only results in the forfeiture of his home but also forces him into a subordinate position as a tenant on the very land he once claimed as his own. The narrative explores themes of loss, injustice, and the harsh realities of rural life, highlighting the protagonist's resilience in the face of adversity and the impact of legal and social systems on individual lives. The story serves as a poignant commentary on the fragility of personal fortunes and the often-unforgiving nature of fate.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Realism · 214 words
First lines
It was only a little house of two rooms --
Almost like a child's play-house --
With scarce five acres of ground around it;
And I had so many children to feed And school and clothe, and a wife who was sick From bearing children.
What this Textopian page supports
Felix Schmidt is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Realism, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of loss, justice, and personal struggle, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life and social issues reflects the principles of realism.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context relate to historical events and societal norms of the time.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Free Verse · Modernism · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Individualism