An Analysis of the Father’s and Mother’s Image in Hamlin Garland’s Short Stories

Neng-Wei Fan

doi:10.5539/ells.v9n2p97

Abstract

Hamlin Garland, an influential American writer, describes the images of fathers and mothers in their everyday west-frontier lifestyle. By analyzing those figures, this paper will reveal the social significance of his work, his writing style, and his literary views: Veritism.

Highlights

Hamlin Garland, a famous native writer of America, wrote about the quotidian Midwestern frame’s life in the early to mid 1900’s
This paper will reveal the social significance of his work, his writing style, and his literary views: Veritism
When Garland returned to his hometown area, after his adventures in the east, he witnessed the disillusionment of the American dream and the abject poverty in the West

Summary

Introduction

Hamlin Garland, a famous native writer of America, wrote about the quotidian Midwestern frame’s life in the early to mid 1900’s. When Garland returned to his hometown area, after his adventures in the east, he witnessed the disillusionment of the American dream and the abject poverty in the West In his depiction of his abject parents’ lonely and hard-work efforts to survive the western life, one can sense how deeply distressed Garland felt. “The father and mother”, as the elder generation in those times, toiled on the same piece of land and suffered the same cruel fate Despite their hard work and determination, Garland’s parent struggled at the edge of despair. She seldom kissed her children,” and once he reached his teenage years, Hamlin recalled that “she never embraced us.” His bitterness was great when his mother suffered a stroke in the summer of 1889. Mamma and papa Garland trudged on the road of life’s survival while still showed kindness towards their family and neighbors

Literature Review

The Lonely Mother—An Overworked Contributor

The Unyielding Father—A Failing Hero

The Father and Mother—A Supporting Integrity

Conclusion