Among the Cliffs
The narrative unfolds in a mountainous region where a young mountaineer, Ethan Tynes, experiences a critical moment while hunting wild turkeys. After successfully shooting a turkey, he attempts to retrieve it from a precarious ledge on a cliff. His descent using vines proves risky, and when the vines break, he finds himself stranded with no immediate way to return to safety. Ethan grapples with despair as he realizes the isolation of his location, far from any human presence. He reflects on his situation, contemplating the possibility of dying alone in the wilderness. However, a glimmer of hope arises when he hears a distant sound, which turns out to be a young boy, George Birt, who is initially frightened by Ethan's cries. Ethan instructs George to fetch his brother, Pete, for help. George, motivated by the promise of turkey wings, sets off but is distracted by his own errands, including checking a squirrel trap and visiting a mill. As time passes, Ethan's anxiety grows, compounded by the onset of a storm that brings rain and thunder, further heightening his sense of vulnerability. Meanwhile, George becomes preoccupied with a bear cub he encounters at the mill, delaying his return to inform Pete of Ethan's predicament. When George finally returns home, he forgets to relay the message, leading to a frantic search by Pete, who learns of Ethan's danger and rushes to rescue him. Pete arrives at the cliff, calls out to Ethan, and successfully throws down a rope for him to climb back up. After a tense ascent, Ethan reaches safety, and the two brothers share a moment of relief. The story concludes with a humorous exchange about the turkey, highlighting the blend of danger and levity in Ethan's adventure. The themes of isolation, the bond of brotherhood, and the unpredictability of nature are woven throughout the narrative, culminating in a resolution that underscores the importance of community and support in times of crisis.
By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1890 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Nature Writing · 4,365 words
First lines
It was a critical moment. There was a stir other than that of the wind among the pine needles and dry leaves that carpeted the ground.
The wary wild turkeys lifted their long necks with that peculiar cry of half-doubting surprise so familiar to a sportsman, then all was still for an instant.
What this Textopian page supports
Among the Cliffs is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Adventure, Nature Writing, Regionalism, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 4,365 words
- Structure: 1 section, 99 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Among the Cliffs by Mary Noailles Murfree
- 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 Among the Cliffs?
- How does this short story by Mary Noailles Murfree fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, emotional depth, and the human experience, particularly through Ethan's perilous situation and introspection.
- Adventure — The plot centers around Ethan's risky descent down the cliff and his struggle for survival, embodying classic adventure elements.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the forest, cliffs, and weather highlight the natural environment, emphasizing its beauty and danger.
- Regionalism — The story is set in a specific geographical area, reflecting the culture, dialect, and lifestyle of the Appalachian region.
Tags
Mountain Life · Tennessee Setting · Folklore · Regionalism · Realism · Coming of Age · Female Protagonist · Nature Description · Isolation · Self-Discovery · Family Dynamics · Social Class