The Panther of Jolton's Ridge
The narrative unfolds in a remote gorge of the Great Smoky Mountains, where the lives of a few inhabitants are disrupted by the encroachment of civilization, symbolized by a railroad bridge. The story centers on Mark Yates, a young hunter, and his interactions with his mother, local men, and the influence of a new preacher who advocates for moral reform and temperance. The arrival of the preacher stirs the community, leading to tensions with the local moonshiners, particularly the Brice brothers, who run an illicit still. Mark's mother criticizes his lack of hunting success, attributing it to the disturbances caused by the railroad and the still. The preacher's sermons challenge the moonshiners' way of life, leading to their expulsion from the church. Mark, initially drawn to the excitement of the moonshiners' tales, begins to feel the weight of moral responsibility as he witnesses the preacher's efforts to instill righteousness in the community. As the story progresses, Mark's friendship with the Brice brothers deepens, despite their illicit activities. However, he becomes increasingly uncomfortable with their disdain for the preacher and their plans for revenge against him. Tensions culminate when the Brices, feeling threatened by the preacher's influence, plot to burn down the church. Mark, torn between loyalty to his friends and his growing sense of morality, ultimately confronts the Brices about their intentions. The climax occurs when the church is set ablaze, and in the chaos, the Panther, the most volatile of the Brice brothers, attempts to escape but falls to his death from the bridge while fleeing from the authorities. This event serves as a turning point for Mark, who realizes the consequences of the Brices' actions and the moral decay that can arise from unchecked vice. In the aftermath, the community grapples with the loss of the church and the implications of the Panther's death. Mark's character evolves as he distances himself from the moonshiners and embraces a more principled life, recognizing the importance of community and moral integrity. The story concludes with a haunting reminder of the Panther's legacy, as the locals believe his spirit calls out for his brothers, symbolizing the enduring impact of their choices on their lives and the community.
By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1900 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Adventure · 3 chapters · 16,305 words
First lines
A certain wild chasm, cut deep into the very heart of a spur of the Great Smoky Mountains, is spanned by a network, which seen from above is the heavy interlacing timbers of a railroad bridge thrown across the narrow space from one great cliff to the other, but seen from the depths of the gorge below it seems merely a fantastic gossamer web fretting the blue sky.
What this Textopian page supports
The Panther of Jolton's Ridge is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Nature Writing
- Length: 16,305 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 160 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Panther of Jolton's Ridge 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 The Panther of Jolton's Ridge?
- 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
- In The Chinking by Mary Noailles Murfree
- Borrowing A Hammer by Mary Noailles Murfree
- A Warning by Mary Noailles Murfree
- Way Down In Poor Valley by Mary Noailles Murfree
- In The Dark Corner by John Gould Fletcher
- The Riddle Of The Rocks by Mary Noailles Murfree
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
- Regional Fiction — Set in a specific geographical area, it reflects the culture and landscape of the region.
- Adventure — The plot involves elements of adventure, particularly in the context of the wilderness.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative may incorporate historical elements relevant to the time period.
Tags
Regional Fiction · Southern Gothic · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Class · Rural Life · Isolation · Nature vs Nurture · Identity Crisis · Morality · Ethics · Human Nature
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III