Under The Lion's Paw Summary
Main Travelled Roads by Hamlin Garland was first published in 1891 following a visit to his parents, in South Dakota, in 1887. This excursion was what inspired Garland to compose stories depicting the various hardships people experienced in the Midwest. In addition to this, Garland’s stories, such as “Under the Lion’s Paw,” are able to convey many of his own economic and political concerns in hopes of prompting a change in the nation. Through the Haskin family, who looks to finally purchase new land that they have put an immense amount of work into, “Under the Lion’s Paw” illustrates the cruel nature of land speculation and economic practices imposed on rural families. Garland is fully cognizant of the lifestyle differences on the east coast
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As a result, during the 1800s, Garland became fascinated in the economic ideas of Henry George. Garland especially supported George’s “Single Tax” concept which stated “land, along with all other natural resources, is the common inheritance of all. No persons or firms should own land; they should only be able to rent it” (Gluckman). Rent acquired from the land was then to be given to the public. Although, George did feel that “individuals and firms should own entirely whatever results from their efforts to make the land productive, however, whether by farming it or building a factory on it. They should also own entirely whatever profit they can create through the investment of accumulated capital” (Gluckman). This specification was to define the proposal as a non-socialist idea and encourage land to be given to those who are willing to improve it the most. As a member of the Populist Party, originally formed by farmer’s seeking governmental equality, Garland was motivated to write his stories to evoke change in the nation. While some may not see Garland’s political messages as still relevant in today’s society due to the sizeable time gap and various improvements to the nation, there are still many aspects of political debates today that are built on the ideas
As a result, during the 1800s, Garland became fascinated in the economic ideas of Henry George. Garland especially supported George’s “Single Tax” concept which stated “land, along with all other natural resources, is the common inheritance of all. No persons or firms should own land; they should only be able to rent it” (Gluckman). Rent acquired from the land was then to be given to the public. Although, George did feel that “individuals and firms should own entirely whatever results from their efforts to make the land productive, however, whether by farming it or building a factory on it. They should also own entirely whatever profit they can create through the investment of accumulated capital” (Gluckman). This specification was to define the proposal as a non-socialist idea and encourage land to be given to those who are willing to improve it the most. As a member of the Populist Party, originally formed by farmer’s seeking governmental equality, Garland was motivated to write his stories to evoke change in the nation. While some may not see Garland’s political messages as still relevant in today’s society due to the sizeable time gap and various improvements to the nation, there are still many aspects of political debates today that are built on the ideas