Looking for Lo by Irvin S. Cobb
The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years and becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with the people he left behind. He reconnects with an old flame, but their rekindled romance is complicated by her marriage to another man. Meanwhile, he also renews acquaintanceships with friends from his past, including a woman who has become increasingly dependent on him for emotional support. As the young man navigates these relationships, he must confront the changes that have taken place in his hometown and the people in it since his departure. He struggles to reconcile his own desires and sense of identity with the expectations placed upon him by others. Throughout the story, themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships are explored. The narrative is characterized by a nuanced and introspective tone, which adds depth and complexity to the characters and their interactions.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1924 · Genre: Travel Literature, Humor, Cultural Commentary · 9,501 words
First lines
If it is your desire to observe the Red Indian of the Plains engaged in his tribal sports and pastimes wait for the Wild West Show; there is sure to be one coming to your town before the season is over. Or if you are bloodthirsty by nature and yearn to see him prancing round upon the warpath, destroying the hated paleface and strewing the soil with his shredded fragments, restrain your longings until next fall and then arrange to take in the football game between Carlisle and Princeton. But, whatever you do, do not go journeying into the Far West in the hope of finding him in great number upon his native heath, for the chances are that you won't find him there in great number; and if you do he will probably be a considerable disappointment to you; because, unless he is paid for it, the red brother absolutely declines to be picturesque.
What this Textopian page supports
Looking for Lo is listed on Textopian as a short story by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Irvin S. Cobb
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Travel Literature, Humor, Cultural Commentary, Historical, Adventure
- Length: 9,501 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Looking for Lo by Irvin S. Cobb
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Looking for Lo?
- How does this short story by Irvin S. Cobb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Travel Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Cater Cornered Sex by Irvin S. Cobb
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Genres
- Travel Literature — The narrative is structured around the author's journey across the American West, detailing observations and experiences in various locations.
- Humor — The writing style is characterized by a humorous and satirical tone, often poking fun at cultural stereotypes and travel experiences.
- Cultural Commentary — The text provides insights and critiques on the cultural and social aspects of Native American life and the American West.
- Historical — The narrative includes historical references to Native American tribes and the impact of Western expansion.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · Novel · Comedy of Manners · Regionalism · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Small-Town Life