The Homestead Westward in the Blue Mountains
The novel revolves around a family's struggles to establish a homestead in the rugged Blue Mountains of the American West during the late 19th century. The story centers on the patriarch, who has left his urban life behind to start anew and provide for his family. As they face numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, isolation, and financial difficulties, the family's dynamics are put to the test. The father's determination to succeed is contrasted with the growing disillusionment of his wife and children, who struggle to adapt to their new life. Throughout the novel, themes of resilience, community, and the American Dream are explored as the family navigates the complexities of frontier life.
By Jonas Lie · First published 1886 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore · 3,756 words
First lines
There was once a farmer's son who was off to Moen for the annual manoeuvres. He was to be the drummer, and his way lay right across the mountains. There he could practise his drumming at his ease, and beat his tattoos again and again without making folks laugh, or having a parcel of small boys dangling about him like so many midges.
Every time he passed a mountain homestead he beat his rat-tat-tat to bring the girls out, and they stood and hung about and gaped after him at all the farmhouses.
What this Textopian page supports
The Homestead Westward in the Blue Mountains is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jonas Lie, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Jonas Lie
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Romance, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 3,756 words
- Structure: 1 section, 103 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Homestead Westward in the Blue Mountains by Jonas Lie
- 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 The Homestead Westward in the Blue Mountains?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features magical elements, such as the enchanting girls and the mystical qualities of the Blue Mountains.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey through the mountains, encountering various challenges and characters.
- Folklore — The story incorporates traditional themes and motifs common in folklore, including mythical creatures and moral lessons.
- Romance — The plot involves romantic pursuits and interactions between the protagonist and the female characters.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Western Frontier · Family Saga · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Historical Fiction · Regionalism · Realism · Adventure · Drama · Conflict