The Abandoned Farmers
The story revolves around a group of farmers who have abandoned their land and livelihoods to seek better opportunities elsewhere. They are portrayed as being disillusioned with the hardships and struggles of rural life, and instead opt for the perceived ease and prosperity of city living. Their decision is motivated by a desire for financial security and a better quality of life, but it ultimately leads to feelings of isolation and disconnection from their former way of life. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and the human cost of progress. Through the characters' experiences, the story highlights the complexities of rural-urban migration and the challenges faced by those who leave behind traditional ways of living in pursuit of a more modern lifestyle.
By Irvin S. Cobb · First published 1921 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Fiction · 9 chapters · 61,672 words
First lines
It is the inclination of the average reader to skip prefaces. For this I do not in the least blame him. Skipping the preface is one of my favorite literary pursuits. To catch me napping a preface must creep up quietly and take me, as it were, unawares.
What this Textopian page supports
The Abandoned Farmers is listed on Textopian as a novel by Irvin S. Cobb, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Irvin S. Cobb
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Satire, Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 61,672 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 511 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Abandoned Farmers 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
- 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 The Abandoned Farmers?
- How does this novel by Irvin S. Cobb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Humor — The book primarily uses comedic elements to explore its themes and characters.
- Satire — It employs satire to critique societal norms and rural life.
- Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, focusing on storytelling and character development.
- Social Commentary — The book provides insights and critiques on social issues and rural communities.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Short Stories · American Literature · Southern Gothic · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Agriculture · Farm Life · Rural Setting · Small Towns
Contents
- Which Really is a Preface in Disguise
- The Start of a Dream
- Three Years Elapse
- Happy Days for Major Gloom
- In which we Bore Foe Water
- Two more Years Elapse
- "and Sold to -- -- "
- CHAPTER VIII, THE ADVENTURE OF LADY MAUDE
- Us Landed Proprietors