Down the Ravine

Name: Down the Ravine
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree

The narrative follows Birt Dicey, a young mountaineer living in the Cumberland Mountains, who dreams of owning a horse to help his widowed mother with their farm. One day, while hunting, he shoots a fox and discovers what he believes to be gold in the ravine. Excited by the prospect of wealth, he confides in his friend Nate Griggs, who cunningly exploits Birt's trust. Nate enters the land where Birt found the gold, claiming it as his own, and secures a grant from the state. As Birt grapples with his ambitions and the harsh realities of his life, he faces betrayal and the threat of legal repercussions when Nate accuses him of stealing the grant. Birt's mother, Mrs. Dicey, remains a steadfast source of support, believing in her son's innocence despite the growing suspicion from the community. The tension escalates as Birt's moral compass is tested; he contemplates revenge against Nate but ultimately chooses to uphold his integrity, influenced by his love for his little sister, Tennessee. The story explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of familial loyalty. Birt's journey reflects the struggles of rural life, the harshness of poverty, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in pursuit of their dreams. Ultimately, Birt learns valuable lessons about trust, honesty, and the importance of family, leading to a resolution that emphasizes personal growth and redemption.

By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1890 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Romance · 12 chapters · 40,079 words

First lines

The new moon, a gleaming scimitar, cleft the gauzy mists above a rugged spur of the Cumberland Mountains. The sky, still crimson and amber, stretched vast and lonely above the vast and lonely landscape. A fox was barking in the laurel.

This was an imprudent proceeding on the part of the fox, considering the value of his head-gear. A young mountaineer down the ravine was reminded, by the sharp, abrupt sound, of a premium offered by the State of Tennessee for the scalp and ears of the pestiferous red fox.

What this Textopian page supports

Down the Ravine is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1890 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure
Length: 40,079 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 753 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Mary Noailles Murfree fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and themes, focusing on human experiences and emotions.
Regional Fiction — Set in the Appalachian region, it reflects the culture, landscape, and social issues of the area.
Romance — The narrative includes romantic elements and relationships that drive character development.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, providing insights into the time period.