"Under The Lion's Paw": Exploitation & Struggle In Hamlin Garland's Story
Can hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination truly conquer the harsh realities of life, or are we all, to some extent, trapped in a predetermined struggle? "Under the Lion's Paw," Hamlin Garland's poignant novella, compellingly illustrates the latter, exposing the brutal constraints of economic forces and the devastating impact of unchecked greed.
The title itself, "Under the Lion's Paw," serves as a potent metaphor for the story's central theme: the crushing weight of oppression and the inescapable cycle of poverty. In Garland's narrative, the "lion" is not a fearsome beast of the wild, but rather the unscrupulous land speculator, Jim Butler, who profits from the desperation of struggling farmers like Tim Haskins. The story, a classic example of American realism, offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the American farmer's desperate struggle to survive, a struggle made all the more challenging by the forces of determinism that shape their lives. The setting, the harsh landscape of the prairie, further amplifies the sense of isolation and vulnerability, painting a clear picture of just how hard things could get.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hannibal Hamlin Garland |
| Born | September 14, 1860, near West Salem, Wisconsin |
| Died | March 4, 1940 (age 79), Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Author, Novelist, Poet, Short Story Writer |
| Notable Works | "Main-Travelled Roads" (short story collection), "Under the Lion's Paw" (short story), "A Son of the Middle Border" (autobiography) |
| Literary Movement | Realism, Naturalism |
| Key Themes | Agrarian life, the plight of the farmer, economic hardship, determinism, social injustice, and the harsh realities of the prairie. |
| Influences | Henry George, mile Zola, the Populist movement |
| Family | Richard Garland (father), Charlotte Isabelle McClintock (mother) |
| Education | Graduated from Cedar Valley Seminary in Osage, Iowa |
| Link for Further Information | Britannica - Hamlin Garland |
Garland's short story, first published in 1891, is a powerful statement of protest, a stark indictment of the exploitative practices that victimized countless farmers during a period of rapid industrialization and economic inequality. It's a story where service is the only way to safety. The author presents a world where the seemingly simple act of farming becomes a Sisyphean task, constantly thwarted by external forces. This is shown even in the title of Garland's story, it signifies being trapped or oppressed by those with more power, akin to a lion toying with prey. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting the grim reality of agricultural communities, making it a poignant tale of human resilience and the desperate struggle to survive.
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The story opens with Stephen Council, a symbol of the hardworking, honest farmer, toiling in the autumn harvest, a scene setting the stage for the story's main conflict. However, the focus quickly shifts to Tim Haskins, a farmer who, like many others, is driven from his original farm by a series of unfortunate events, including a devastating grasshopper plague. The Haskins, when they lose their farm, are given a second chance by a man who offers them the opportunity to rent his farm in exchange for working the land and making needed improvements, a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. This new farm, however, is owned by Jim Butler, the embodiment of the "lion" and the relentless force of economic exploitation.
Garland masterfully portrays the farmers plight, underscoring how hard work alone doesnt always lead to success and that some things are out of ones control. Haskins was a very hard working farmer who lived on a financially stable farm with his lovely family, but he couldnt control when the grasshoppers came and ran his farm poor. The setting, the harsh prairie, the unpredictable weather, and the devastating grasshopper plagues are all presented as external forces that undermine the farmer's efforts, highlighting the themes of naturalism within the story. The author makes the point that a lack of knowledge also hinders the characters, particularly Mr. Council. During the time when Garland wrote "Under the Lions Paw, near the time of the great depression, a lack of technology and machinery greatly hindered.
Butler's exploitation takes many forms. He profits from the farmers' need for shelter, the need for the land, and the improvements they make. Butler has his hand (paw) on Haskins the entire story, as he entraps Haskins through the inflated value of the land, knowing he is under the paw of poverty and is unable to escape. The story also touches upon the theme of determinism: the idea that external forces and circumstances shape a person's fate. Haskins is trapped because of the land speculation, and is unable to escape. The characters in "Under the Lion's Paw" by Hamlin Garland are victims of determinism. The feeling of hopelessness that pervades the story is further emphasized by the farmers isolation and lack of resources, making the whole situation even more tragic.
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The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the physical environment, highlighting the backbreaking labor required to farm the land. Under their dripping harness the horses swung to and fro silently with that marvellous uncomplaining patience which marks the horse. All day the wild geese, honking wildly, as they sprawled sidewise down the wind, seemed to be fleeing from an enemy behind, and with neck outthrust and wings extended, sailed down the wind, soon lost to sight. These descriptions create a sense of realism, immersing the reader in the farmers' world and underscoring their constant struggle against the elements. The story illustrates this by focusing on a family that is struggling and by showing how they are trapped. The title in and of itself clearly illustrates the theme of the story: he will be taken advantage of and will not be able to escape.
The desperation and despair felt by the characters are palpable. Haskins feels a horrible numbness in his heart and limbs. He was hid in a mist, and there was no path out. This feeling of helplessness is exacerbated by the lack of agency the farmers possess. They are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. Service is the only way to safety, but even that is manipulated and exploited by Butler. Butler walked about, looking at the huge stacks of grain, and pulling now and again a few handfuls out, shelling the heads in his hands and blowing the chaff away. He hummed a little tune as he did so, completely oblivious to the suffering of the farmers whose labor produced those stacks. The injustice of the situation is clear and serves as a powerful critique of the prevailing economic system.
The story doesn't offer easy answers or simplistic solutions. Instead, it presents a stark and unflinching view of a society where the deck is stacked against the vulnerable. "Under the Lion's Paw" is a poignant tale centered around the struggles of a farmer named haskins. Garlands choice to focus on the struggles of a farmer underscores the harsh realities of life within agricultural communities. The themes of determinism and economic exploitation continue to resonate, making the story a timeless commentary on the human condition. Even the story's ending, though offering a glimmer of hope, does not erase the scars of the struggle.
Under the lions paw begins with a man named Stephen council who is plowing his land. He is working hard and late into the evening after the autumn harvest, nearly soaked to the bone with. The story conveys the plight of the american farmer and his desperate struggle to survive. The story also highlights the idea of "deterministic propaganda." In it, one man, tim haskins, like thousands of struggling farmers, is exploited by another man, representative of scores of other land speculators. "Under the lion's paw" certainly reflects the themes of naturalist literature. Under the lion's paw means that someone is struggling. In the story, haskins struggled with butler and his land the entire time.
The story, with its raw portrayal of the American farmer, serves as a powerful indictment of the economic injustices of the time. "Under the Lion's Paw" is a classic example of American realism. "Under the lion's grasp, just as much as the Haskins deserved another chance. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, fairness, and the need to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality.
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