The Third Generation
Two men, Bob Lemaire and Barrett, embark on an arduous journey through a desolate wilderness in search of a mythical river, the Lost Babiche, guided by a map created by Lemaire's grandfather. The landscape is harsh and unyielding, filled with lakes, rapids, and dense forests, reflecting the challenges they face. Lemaire, who has a deep connection to the land despite never having seen it until recently, feels a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the Indigenous people who once inhabited these areas. As they navigate the wilderness, they encounter an old Montagnais Indian who claims to be following them. Lemaire, moved by a sense of duty to help the old man, shares their limited supplies, despite Barrett's irritation at the potential drain on their resources. The old man represents a connection to the past and the consequences of Lemaire's grandfather's actions, which had devastating effects on the Indigenous population due to a smallpox outbreak. The journey becomes increasingly difficult as they face the elements, including fog and snow, which obscure their path and test their resolve. Lemaire's confidence wavers as he feels the weight of his family's legacy and the wilderness's indifference. Despite this, they eventually discover the Lost Babiche, a river that had eluded them, but the realization is bittersweet as they find no signs of life, reflecting the desolation left in the wake of past tragedies. As they continue downstream, they face a series of challenges, including a capsized canoe and the threat of freezing temperatures. In a moment of desperation, the old Indian reappears, offering to guide them to a nearby encampment of his people. However, when they arrive, Lemaire is confronted with the remnants of a once-thriving community, now reduced to bones and decaying structures, a haunting reminder of the past and the impact of his grandfather's legacy. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, the relationship between man and nature, and the haunting consequences of history. Lemaire's journey is not just a physical quest but also a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the moral weight of one's ancestry. The wilderness, while beautiful, serves as a backdrop for the characters' internal struggles and the stark realities of survival and loss.
By Marjorie Pickthall · First published 1928 · Genre: Adventure, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction · 6,540 words
First lines
No shanty fires shall cheer them, No comrades march beside, But the northern lights shall beckon And the wandering winds shall guide. They shall cross the silent waters By a trail that is wild and far. To the place of the lonely lodges Under a lonely star. _La Longue Traverse._
"Bob, is this Lake Lemaire?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Third Generation is listed on Textopian as a short story by Marjorie Pickthall, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Marjorie Pickthall
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Nature Writing, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 6,540 words
- Structure: 1 section, 95 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Third Generation by Marjorie Pickthall
- 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 Third Generation?
- How does this short story by Marjorie Pickthall fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a journey through a wilderness, emphasizing exploration and the challenges faced by the characters.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in detail, focusing on character development and thematic depth.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative references historical elements, particularly the impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and the legacy of the characters' ancestors.
- Nature Writing — The descriptions of the wilderness and the characters' interactions with nature are central to the story.
Tags
Family Saga · Coming-of-Age · Social Commentary · Historical Fiction · Canadian Literature · Literary Fiction · Domestic Drama · Marriage · Parent-Child Relationships · Generational Conflict · Identity Crisis · Small Town Life