"Run To Seed" 1891 By: Thomas Nelson Page (1853-1922)
Run To Seed, published in 1891, is a thought-provoking novel written by Thomas Nelson Page that takes the readers back to a remarkable period in Southern history. Spanning across a poignant timeframe, the narrative follows a group of characters as they navigate the tumultuous aftermath of the American Civil War. One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Page's exceptional storytelling, as he masterfully weaves together themes of loss, redemption, and the inevitable decay that occurs when one refuses to adapt to changing times. Through his detailed descriptions and vivid imagery, the author transports readers to rural Virginia, allowing them to witness the decline of an entire region and the stagnation of its inhabitants. Page's characters are captivating, each representing a different archetypal figure grappling with the consequences of their choices. From the stoic yet flawed Colonel Ashby, who clings stubbornly to the ideals of the past, to the resilient and resourceful Lucy Templin, who dares to challenge societal norms, every individual adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The relationships formed between these characters are beautifully crafted, exposing the intricacies of human connection and the power dynamics that emerge in times of great upheaval. The author's keen observations on Southern society at the time are particularly noteworthy. Page captures the disillusionment and desperation felt by those who have lost everything—a chilling reminder of the consequences of war and the difficulty of rebuilding shattered lives. Additionally, the novel delves into the racial dynamics that plagued the South during Reconstruction, shedding light on the degrading treatment of African Americans and exploring the complexities of race relations. While Run To Seed is undoubtedly an engrossing read, it does suffer from pacing issues at times. Certain sections of the book tend to meander, detracting from the overall momentum of the story. However, the payoffs in character development and thematic exploration make these minor shortcomings forgivable. In conclusion, Thomas Nelson Page's Run To Seed is a compelling and poignant novel that leaves a lasting impression. Through its richly-drawn characters and insightful exploration of the post-Civil War era, Page offers readers a profound reflection on the consequences of clinging to the past and failing to embrace change. This timeless work serves as a reminder that societies and individuals must adapt and evolve, lest they decay and wither away. First Page: "RUN TO SEED." By Thomas Nelson Page 1891 I. Jim's father died at Gettysburg; up against the Stone Fence; went to heaven in a chariot of fire on that fateful day when the issue between the two parts of the country was decided: when the slaughter on the Confe'd erate side was such that after the battle a lieutenant was in charge of a regiment, and a major commanded a brigade. This fact was much to Jim, though no one knew it: it tempered his mind: ruled his life. He never remembered the time when he did not know the story his mother, in her worn black dress and with her pale face, used to tell him of the bullet dented sword and faded red sash which hung on the chamber wall. They were the poorest people in the neighborhood. Everybody was poor; for the county lay in the track of the armies, and the war had swept the country as clean as a floor. But the Uptons were the poorest even in that community. Others recuperated, pulled themselves together, and began after a time to get up. The Uptons got flatter than they were before. The fences (the few that were left) rotted; the fields grew up in sassafras and pines; the barns blew down; the houses decayed; the ditches filled; the chills came. "They're the shiftlesses' people in the worl'," said Mrs. Wagoner with a shade of asperity in her voice (or was it satisfaction?)... Continue reading book >>

"Run To Seed" 1891 By: Thomas Nelson Page (1853-1922)

Run To Seed, published in 1891, is a thought-provoking novel written by Thomas Nelson Page that takes the readers back to a remarkable period in Southern history. Spanning across a poignant timeframe, the narrative follows a group of characters as they navigate the tumultuous aftermath of the American Civil War.

One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Page's exceptional storytelling, as he masterfully weaves together themes of loss, redemption, and the inevitable decay that occurs when one refuses to adapt to changing times. Through his detailed descriptions and vivid imagery, the author transports readers to rural Virginia, allowing them to witness the decline of an entire region and the stagnation of its inhabitants.

Page's characters are captivating, each representing a different archetypal figure grappling with the consequences of their choices. From the stoic yet flawed Colonel Ashby, who clings stubbornly to the ideals of the past, to the resilient and resourceful Lucy Templin, who dares to challenge societal norms, every individual adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The relationships formed between these characters are beautifully crafted, exposing the intricacies of human connection and the power dynamics that emerge in times of great upheaval.

The author's keen observations on Southern society at the time are particularly noteworthy. Page captures the disillusionment and desperation felt by those who have lost everything—a chilling reminder of the consequences of war and the difficulty of rebuilding shattered lives. Additionally, the novel delves into the racial dynamics that plagued the South during Reconstruction, shedding light on the degrading treatment of African Americans and exploring the complexities of race relations.

While Run To Seed is undoubtedly an engrossing read, it does suffer from pacing issues at times. Certain sections of the book tend to meander, detracting from the overall momentum of the story. However, the payoffs in character development and thematic exploration make these minor shortcomings forgivable.

In conclusion, Thomas Nelson Page's Run To Seed is a compelling and poignant novel that leaves a lasting impression. Through its richly-drawn characters and insightful exploration of the post-Civil War era, Page offers readers a profound reflection on the consequences of clinging to the past and failing to embrace change. This timeless work serves as a reminder that societies and individuals must adapt and evolve, lest they decay and wither away.

First Page:

"RUN TO SEED."

By Thomas Nelson Page

1891

Jim's father died at Gettysburg; up against the Stone Fence; went to heaven in a chariot of fire on that fateful day when the issue between the two parts of the country was decided: when the slaughter on the Confe'd erate side was such that after the battle a lieutenant was in charge of a regiment, and a major commanded a brigade.

This fact was much to Jim, though no one knew it: it tempered his mind: ruled his life. He never remembered the time when he did not know the story his mother, in her worn black dress and with her pale face, used to tell him of the bullet dented sword and faded red sash which hung on the chamber wall.

They were the poorest people in the neighborhood. Everybody was poor; for the county lay in the track of the armies, and the war had swept the country as clean as a floor. But the Uptons were the poorest even in that community. Others recuperated, pulled themselves together, and began after a time to get up. The Uptons got flatter than they were before. The fences (the few that were left) rotted; the fields grew up in sassafras and pines; the barns blew down; the houses decayed; the ditches filled; the chills came.

"They're the shiftlesses' people in the worl'," said Mrs. Wagoner with a shade of asperity in her voice (or was it satisfaction?)... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Thomas Nelson Page
Wikipedia – "Run To Seed" 1891

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