The Death of the Hired Man
The story revolves around a farm family who have hired a former farmhand to work for them again after he has been away for several years. The man's return sparks a series of conversations and reflections about his past, his relationships with the family, and his own sense of identity. The narrative is presented through the perspectives of the farmer and his wife, as well as the hired man himself. Through their interactions, the story explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the complexities of human relationships. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the hired man's return is motivated by a desire to escape his past mistakes and find redemption. However, his presence also serves as a catalyst for the farmer and his wife to confront their own feelings about their relationship with him and the farm. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the nature of responsibility, loyalty, and the human condition, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of the characters' experiences and motivations.
By Robert Frost · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy · 1,962 words
First lines
Mary sat musing on the lamp-flame at the table Waiting for Warren. When she heard his step, She ran on tip-toe down the darkened passage To meet him in the doorway with the news And put him on his guard. "Silas is back."
She pushed him outward with her through the door And shut it after her. "Be kind," she said.
What this Textopian page supports
The Death of the Hired Man is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Frost, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Robert Frost
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy, Pastoral, Realism
- Length: 1,962 words
- Structure: 1 section, 106 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Death of the Hired Man by Robert Frost
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Huntsman by Anton Chekhov
- The Generations Of Men by Robert Frost
- Josiah Tompkins by Edgar Lee Masters
- Barry Holden by Edgar Lee Masters
- Nellie Clark by Edgar Lee Masters
- The Housekeeper by Robert Frost
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as meter, rhyme, and imagery.
- Drama — The narrative unfolds through dialogue between characters, creating a dramatic tension and emotional depth.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss, death, and unfulfilled potential contribute to a tragic atmosphere.
- Pastoral — The setting and themes revolve around rural life and the natural world.
Tags
Poem · Literary Fiction · American Literature · Symbolism · Existentialism · Philosophy · Human Condition · Aging · Isolation · Loneliness · Friendship · Class Conflict