The Mettle of the Pasture By: James Lane Allen (1849-1925)
The Mettle of the Pasture by James Lane Allen is an enthralling novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through the landscapes of Kentucky. Set in the late 19th century, the story revolves around the lives of two intertwined families and their struggles against societal norms and personal desires. Allen's writing style is both poetic and descriptive, transporting readers to an idyllic rural world where nature's beauty and simplicity form a striking backdrop for complex human emotions. His vivid descriptions of the vast pastures and rolling hills of Kentucky not only paint a visual picture but also evoke a deep sense of longing and nostalgia. The protagonist, Nat Turner, is portrayed as a man torn between his duty as a son and his passion for a forbidden love. His character development is one of the highlights of the novel, as Allen deftly explores the emotional turmoil that Nat experiences when confronted with societal expectations and his conflicting desires. Readers will find themselves invested in Nat's journey, rooting for him as he grapples with difficult choices and tries to find his own path in life. One of the most notable aspects of The Mettle of the Pasture is Allen's exploration of themes such as class divisions, honor, and the constraints imposed by traditional expectations. Through his characters, he shines a light on the rigid societal structure of the time, shedding insights into the challenges faced by individuals who dare to challenge the status quo. Allen's nuanced portrayal of these societal pressures adds depth and realism to the story, making it relatable even to contemporary readers. Furthermore, the novel's pacing is balanced, keeping readers engaged with a blend of moments of quiet reflection and intense emotional scenes. The dialogue is natural and fluid, allowing the characters' personalities to shine through their interactions. The inclusion of Kentucky dialect and expressions adds authenticity to the narrative, immersing the reader more deeply in the story's time and place. However, some readers might find the novel's slower pace and extensive descriptions of the Kentucky landscape to be a bit indulgent. While Allen's poetic prose undoubtedly enhances the atmosphere, it may occasionally overshadow the plot, causing the story to meander at times. Nevertheless, overall, The Mettle of the Pasture is a captivating novel that offers a thought-provoking exploration of timeless themes. James Lane Allen's exquisite prose and intimate understanding of human emotions make this a compelling read for those who appreciate beautifully crafted literature. It is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the courage to challenge societal expectations, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's mind. First Page: E text prepared by Al Haines THE METTLE OF THE PASTURE BY JAMES LANE ALLEN Author of "The Choir Invisible," "A Kentucky Cardinal," etc., etc. New York, 1903 To My Sister PART FIRST I She did not wish any supper and she sank forgetfully back into the stately oak chair. One of her hands lay palm upward on her white lap; in the other, which drooped over the arm of the chair, she clasped a young rose dark red amid its leaves an inverted torch of love. Old fashioned glass doors behind her reached from a high ceiling to the floor; they had been thrown open and the curtains looped apart. Stone steps outside led downward to the turf in the rear of the house. This turf covered a lawn unroughened by plant or weed; but over it at majestic intervals grew clumps of gray pines and dim blue, ever wintry firs. Beyond lawn and evergreens a flower garden bloomed; and beyond the high fence enclosing this, tree tops and house tops of the town could be seen; and beyond these away in the west the sky was naming now with the falling sun. A few bars of dusty gold hung poised across the darkening spaces of the supper room. Ripples of the evening air, entering through the windows, flowed over her, lifting the thick curling locks at the nape of her neck, creeping forward over her shoulders and passing along her round arms under the thin fabric of her sleeves... Continue reading book >>

The Mettle of the Pasture By: James Lane Allen (1849-1925)

The Mettle of the Pasture by James Lane Allen is an enthralling novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through the landscapes of Kentucky. Set in the late 19th century, the story revolves around the lives of two intertwined families and their struggles against societal norms and personal desires.

Allen's writing style is both poetic and descriptive, transporting readers to an idyllic rural world where nature's beauty and simplicity form a striking backdrop for complex human emotions. His vivid descriptions of the vast pastures and rolling hills of Kentucky not only paint a visual picture but also evoke a deep sense of longing and nostalgia.

The protagonist, Nat Turner, is portrayed as a man torn between his duty as a son and his passion for a forbidden love. His character development is one of the highlights of the novel, as Allen deftly explores the emotional turmoil that Nat experiences when confronted with societal expectations and his conflicting desires. Readers will find themselves invested in Nat's journey, rooting for him as he grapples with difficult choices and tries to find his own path in life.

One of the most notable aspects of The Mettle of the Pasture is Allen's exploration of themes such as class divisions, honor, and the constraints imposed by traditional expectations. Through his characters, he shines a light on the rigid societal structure of the time, shedding insights into the challenges faced by individuals who dare to challenge the status quo. Allen's nuanced portrayal of these societal pressures adds depth and realism to the story, making it relatable even to contemporary readers.

Furthermore, the novel's pacing is balanced, keeping readers engaged with a blend of moments of quiet reflection and intense emotional scenes. The dialogue is natural and fluid, allowing the characters' personalities to shine through their interactions. The inclusion of Kentucky dialect and expressions adds authenticity to the narrative, immersing the reader more deeply in the story's time and place.

However, some readers might find the novel's slower pace and extensive descriptions of the Kentucky landscape to be a bit indulgent. While Allen's poetic prose undoubtedly enhances the atmosphere, it may occasionally overshadow the plot, causing the story to meander at times.

Nevertheless, overall, The Mettle of the Pasture is a captivating novel that offers a thought-provoking exploration of timeless themes. James Lane Allen's exquisite prose and intimate understanding of human emotions make this a compelling read for those who appreciate beautifully crafted literature. It is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the courage to challenge societal expectations, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's mind.

First Page:

E text prepared by Al Haines

THE METTLE OF THE PASTURE

JAMES LANE ALLEN

Author of "The Choir Invisible," "A Kentucky Cardinal," etc., etc.

New York, 1903

To My Sister

PART FIRST

She did not wish any supper and she sank forgetfully back into the stately oak chair. One of her hands lay palm upward on her white lap; in the other, which drooped over the arm of the chair, she clasped a young rose dark red amid its leaves an inverted torch of love.

Old fashioned glass doors behind her reached from a high ceiling to the floor; they had been thrown open and the curtains looped apart. Stone steps outside led downward to the turf in the rear of the house. This turf covered a lawn unroughened by plant or weed; but over it at majestic intervals grew clumps of gray pines and dim blue, ever wintry firs. Beyond lawn and evergreens a flower garden bloomed; and beyond the high fence enclosing this, tree tops and house tops of the town could be seen; and beyond these away in the west the sky was naming now with the falling sun.

A few bars of dusty gold hung poised across the darkening spaces of the supper room. Ripples of the evening air, entering through the windows, flowed over her, lifting the thick curling locks at the nape of her neck, creeping forward over her shoulders and passing along her round arms under the thin fabric of her sleeves... Continue reading book >>

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