Dead Man's Run by Madison Cawein
A dark-eyed man rides through an autumn wood with a mountain girl, who warns him of the danger ahead due to a family feud. Despite her pleas, he is determined to continue, and she insists on riding with him. As they approach a place known for its peril, they are ambushed by two men, one of whom is seeking revenge for a past wrong. In the ensuing chaos, the girl is shot, but she remains resolute, clinging to her companion as they navigate the treacherous terrain. The man urges her to hold on as they ride through the rough landscape, but her condition worsens. The imagery of the natural surroundings contrasts with the violence of their situation, highlighting the tragic fate that befalls them. As they reach a swift river, the girl succumbs to her injuries, swept away by the current. The poem captures themes of love, loyalty, and the inescapable consequences of familial conflict, culminating in a poignant and tragic ending. The narrative emphasizes the intertwining of human emotion with the unforgiving forces of nature, illustrating the inevitability of death in the face of violent feuds.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy · 688 words
First lines
He rode adown the autumn wood, A man dark-eyed and brown; A mountain girl before him stood Clad in a homespun gown.
'To ride this road is death for you! My father waits you there; My father and my brother, too, -- You know the oath they swear.'
What this Textopian page supports
Dead Man's Run is listed on Textopian as a short story by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy, Western, Narrative
- Length: 688 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dead Man's Run by Madison Cawein
- 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 Dead Man's Run?
- How does this short story by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Riding An Avalanche by James Mcintyre
- The Unknown by Edward Thomas
- The Mystery Of Cabin Island by Franklin W. Dixon
- The God Of Coincidence by Richard Harding Davis
- The Vault by Murray Leinster
- Hideaway by F. L. Wallace
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and emotional intensity are prevalent, aligning with Romantic literary ideals.
- Tragedy — The narrative involves themes of death, conflict, and loss, typical of tragic literature.
- Western — The setting and elements of feuds and rugged landscapes suggest a Western genre influence.
Tags
Thriller · Mystery · Adventure · Suspense · Crime · Detective · Investigation · Plot Twist · Action · Puzzle · Clue · Secrets