People Going By
People Going By is a novel by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, published in 1929. It tells the story of a small Kentucky town and its inhabitants, focusing on the lives of two families, the Wilsons and the Fosters. The Wilsons are a poor family, struggling to make ends meet. The father, John, is a hardworking farmer, but his wife, Mary, is often ill and unable to help with the work. Their daughter, Martha, is a bright and ambitious young woman who dreams of a better life. The Fosters are a wealthy family, living in a large house on the edge of town. They are respected by the townspeople, but their son, Robert, is a wild and reckless young man who often causes trouble. The novel follows the lives of these two families as they struggle to make their way in the world. It explores themes of poverty, ambition, and the power of love. It also examines the complex relationships between the townspeople, and how their lives are intertwined.
By Elizabeth Madox Roberts · First published 1922 · Genre: Regional Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 240 words
First lines
Before they come I hear their talk And hear their feet go on the walk.
Some go fast and some go slow, And some of them I almost know.
In mornings they are going down To see somebody in the town.
Or Mrs. Warner hurries past; She has to go and come back fast.
What this Textopian page supports
People Going By is listed on Textopian as a short story by Elizabeth Madox Roberts, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Regional Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Southern Fiction
- Length: 240 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for People Going By by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering People Going By?
- How does this short story by Elizabeth Madox Roberts fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Regional Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Numbers by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- The Pilaster by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- The Star by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- Little Bush by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- August Night by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
- My Heart by Elizabeth Madox Roberts
Genres
- Regional Fiction — The book is set in the rural Kentucky of the early 20th century and follows the lives of the people living there.
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the early 20th century and follows the lives of the people living there, providing a glimpse into the past.
- Literary Fiction — The book is written in a lyrical style and explores themes of identity, family, and community.
- Southern Fiction — The book is set in the rural Kentucky of the early 20th century and follows the lives of the people living there, providing a glimpse into the culture of the South.
Tags
American · American poetry · Children's poetry · carry · children's poetry, american · church · cross · day · dog · far-off · fast · feel