Hard Times By Ron Rash Analysis

The short story “Hard Times” by Ron Rash, focuses on the effects that depression has on society. The main characters in the story are Jacob and Edna, who are farmers in a rural community in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the story begins, Edna has once again noticed that the eggs from a particular hen is missing. Though she has several other hens, who are laying, she contributes those missing eggs to adding to their poverty. Edna, who was once a very happy person has been soured by the effects of poverty and now stands tight lipped in the door of the henhouse. Jacob makes the comment, "This cove’s so damn dark a man about has to break light with a crowbar” . This comment sets the tone of the story, one of darkness which is a result of poverty. Edna is now determined to find out who or what is stealing the eggs that will eventually lead them farther into poverty. Edna’s husband Jacob tries to come up with answers to the problem that is not pleasing to Edna, who still tends to harp on the situation. She feels that Jacob is not taking things seriously, and she points out that if the situation continues, he will be unable to purchase his weekly newspapers. Since there was no
Hartley, once a mill worker, has been forced into farming a land that is not fit for anything, especially farming, to make a living for his family. Once she accuses his dog, he cuts the dog throat and tells her now she will know if it was the dog who was the culprit. Jacob accuses Edna of being a hardened woman and blames her for the action of the Hartley’s and also for their children leaving home and never returning or communicating with the family. Edna is offended and tries to explain that her actions toward the children was only to make them stronger. When Jacob visits the local store, he chats with his neighbors and they tell him that a snake could be stealing the eggs and tell him how to catch