Judge Selah Lively by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative centers on a character who rises from humble beginnings to become a County Judge, reflecting on the journey marked by perseverance and societal mockery. The protagonist, initially a grocery clerk, studies law diligently despite facing ridicule for his stature and appearance. His dedication leads him to become an attorney, representing various clients, including widows in Probate Court. As he ascends to the position of County Judge, he confronts those who once belittled him, relishing the irony of their submission to his authority. The character's experiences highlight themes of social status, resilience, and the complexities of power dynamics. The work explores the psychological impact of overcoming adversity and the desire for respect and recognition in a society that often values superficial traits over merit. The protagonist's reflections reveal a deep-seated need to assert dominance over those who once mocked him, suggesting that his rise to power is not just a professional achievement but also a personal vindication. The narrative encapsulates the struggle for dignity and the transformation of perceived weaknesses into strengths, ultimately questioning the nature of justice and the human desire for validation.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1914 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Biography · 191 words
First lines
Suppose you stood just five feet two, / And had worked your way as a grocery clerk, / Studying law by candle light / Until you became an attorney at law?
And then suppose through your diligence, / And regular church attendance, / You became attorney for Thomas Rhodes, / Collecting notes and mortgages, / And representing all the widows / In the Probate Court? And through it all / They jeered at your size, and laughed at your clothes / And your polished boots? And then suppose / You became the County Judge?
And Jefferson Howard and Kinsey Keene, / And Harmon Whitney, and all the giants / Who had sneered at you, were forced to stand / Before the bar and say "Your Honor" --
What this Textopian page supports
Judge Selah Lively 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: Literary Fiction, Drama, Biography, Social Commentary, Poetry
- Length: 191 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Judge Selah Lively by Edgar Lee Masters
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- Elliott Hawkins by Edgar Lee Masters
- Harmon Whitney by Edgar Lee Masters
- Lillian Stewart by Edgar Lee Masters
- Jefferson Howard by Edgar Lee Masters
- Henry Tripp by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of social status, personal struggle, and the human condition through a character-driven narrative.
- Drama — The plot centers around the protagonist's rise to power and the interpersonal conflicts that arise from societal perceptions.
- Biography — The narrative reflects autobiographical elements, detailing the life journey of an individual overcoming adversity.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and prejudices, particularly regarding class and appearance.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Moral Commentary · Social Critique · Regionalism · Midwestern Life · Small-Town America · Human Nature · Emotional Depth