Out of the Running

Name: Out of the Running
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds in a rural setting, focusing on the lives of a farmer's family and their interactions with two suitors vying for the affection of the farmer's daughter, Dolly. The story begins with a picturesque description of the Hampshire Downs, where the family resides in a comfortable farmhouse surrounded by fields and nature. Dolly, a young woman caught between two suitors—Adam Wilson, a foreman at the chalk works, and Elias Mason, a telegraph clerk—navigates her feelings and societal expectations. Her mother, a practical woman, encourages her to make a choice, emphasizing the importance of securing a stable future. Dolly, however, is torn between the two men, appreciating Adam's steady nature and Elias's poetic charm. As the plot progresses, a tragic accident occurs when Bill, a foundling laborer who has worked on the farm for years, is severely injured by a collapsing hayrick. The incident serves as a catalyst for the characters' development and relationships. While the family is preoccupied with Bill's fate, Dolly's internal conflict regarding her suitors intensifies. Bill's injury brings a somber tone to the story, highlighting themes of compassion and the harsh realities of rural life. Despite his lack of a formal identity, Bill's presence and the care he receives from the family reveal the complexities of human connection and the value of every individual, regardless of their social standing. Dolly's decision-making process culminates in a moment of clarity when she realizes the significance of a small gesture—a flower left at her window—symbolizing true affection. This leads her to a resolution about her future, but the narrative takes a dark turn as Bill's condition worsens, ultimately leading to his death. The story concludes with a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the fragility of life, leaving Dolly to grapple with her emotions and the consequences of her choices. The interplay between the characters, the rural backdrop, and the themes of love, duty, and mortality create a rich tapestry that explores the human experience in a compelling manner.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama · 7,832 words

First lines

It was on the North Side of Butser on the long swell of the Hampshire Downs. Beneath, some two miles away, the grey roofs and red houses of Petersfield peeped out from amid the trees which surrounded it. From the crest of the low hills downwards the country ran in low, sweeping curves, as though some green primeval sea had congealed in the midst of a ground swell and set for ever into long verdant rollers. At the bottom, just where the slope borders upon the plain, there stood a comfortable square brick farmhouse, with a grey plume of smoke floating up from the chimney. Two cowhouses, a cluster of hayricks, and a broad stretch of fields, yellow with the ripening wheat, formed a fitting setting to the dwelling of a prosperous farmer.

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Out of the Running is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1910 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age
Length: 7,832 words
Structure: 1 section, 174 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of love, choice, and social class through character development and emotional depth.
Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic entanglements of the protagonist, Dolly, and her choices between two suitors.
Drama — The narrative includes intense emotional situations and conflicts, particularly surrounding relationships and personal dilemmas.
Social Commentary — The story reflects on social issues such as class differences and the roles of women in society during the time period.