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Poor White- a Novel

Poor White- a Novel

By: Sherwood Anderson
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 Set against the backdrop of a small town grappling with the relentless tide of industrialization at the dawn of the 20th century, Poor White tells the poignant story of Hugh McVey—an introspective and somewhat aimless young man. In the quaint town of Bidwell, Ohio, Hugh secures a position as a telegraph operator, where he unexpectedly uncovers a flair for invention through his knack for calculations and drawings. As he transforms into a millionaire, the narrative unfolds a tapestry of characters, each depicting the profound and often detrimental impacts of factory life. The once vibrant, agrarian spirit of Bidwell diminishes, overshadowed by greed and exploitation. While Hugh observes the unsettling changes around him, he remains oblivious to the true nature of this transformation. Only Clara Butterworth offers a semblance of stability, bringing temporary joy to Hughs life through their marriage. However, as the story progresses, the town spirals into chaos marked by labor strife, rampant corruption, and heinous crimes, leaving a haunting sense of lost innocence in the wake of industrial progress. Written in 1920, Sherwood Andersons narrative captures a moment of change that would only hint at the vast upheavals yet to come.Copyright 19th and 20th Century Fiction
Episodes
  • 023 - Chapter 23

    023 - Chapter 23
    Feb 21 2026
    Set against the backdrop of a small town grappling with the relentless tide of industrialization at the dawn of the 20th century, Poor White tells the poignant story of Hugh McVey—an introspective and somewhat aimless young man. In the quaint town of Bidwell, Ohio, Hugh secures a position as a telegraph operator, where he unexpectedly uncovers a flair for invention through his knack for calculations and drawings. As he transforms into a millionaire, the narrative unfolds a tapestry of characters, each depicting the profound and often detrimental impacts of factory life. The once vibrant, agrarian spirit of Bidwell diminishes, overshadowed by greed and exploitation. While Hugh observes the unsettling changes around him, he remains oblivious to the true nature of this transformation. Only Clara Butterworth offers a semblance of stability, bringing temporary joy to Hughs life through their marriage. However, as the story progresses, the town spirals into chaos marked by labor strife, rampant corruption, and heinous crimes, leaving a haunting sense of lost innocence in the wake of industrial progress. Written in 1920, Sherwood Andersons narrative captures a moment of change that would only hint at the vast upheavals yet to come.
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    30 mins
  • 022 - Chapter 22

    022 - Chapter 22
    Feb 21 2026
    Set against the backdrop of a small town grappling with the relentless tide of industrialization at the dawn of the 20th century, Poor White tells the poignant story of Hugh McVey—an introspective and somewhat aimless young man. In the quaint town of Bidwell, Ohio, Hugh secures a position as a telegraph operator, where he unexpectedly uncovers a flair for invention through his knack for calculations and drawings. As he transforms into a millionaire, the narrative unfolds a tapestry of characters, each depicting the profound and often detrimental impacts of factory life. The once vibrant, agrarian spirit of Bidwell diminishes, overshadowed by greed and exploitation. While Hugh observes the unsettling changes around him, he remains oblivious to the true nature of this transformation. Only Clara Butterworth offers a semblance of stability, bringing temporary joy to Hughs life through their marriage. However, as the story progresses, the town spirals into chaos marked by labor strife, rampant corruption, and heinous crimes, leaving a haunting sense of lost innocence in the wake of industrial progress. Written in 1920, Sherwood Andersons narrative captures a moment of change that would only hint at the vast upheavals yet to come.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 021 - Chapter 21

    021 - Chapter 21
    Feb 21 2026
    Set against the backdrop of a small town grappling with the relentless tide of industrialization at the dawn of the 20th century, Poor White tells the poignant story of Hugh McVey—an introspective and somewhat aimless young man. In the quaint town of Bidwell, Ohio, Hugh secures a position as a telegraph operator, where he unexpectedly uncovers a flair for invention through his knack for calculations and drawings. As he transforms into a millionaire, the narrative unfolds a tapestry of characters, each depicting the profound and often detrimental impacts of factory life. The once vibrant, agrarian spirit of Bidwell diminishes, overshadowed by greed and exploitation. While Hugh observes the unsettling changes around him, he remains oblivious to the true nature of this transformation. Only Clara Butterworth offers a semblance of stability, bringing temporary joy to Hughs life through their marriage. However, as the story progresses, the town spirals into chaos marked by labor strife, rampant corruption, and heinous crimes, leaving a haunting sense of lost innocence in the wake of industrial progress. Written in 1920, Sherwood Andersons narrative captures a moment of change that would only hint at the vast upheavals yet to come.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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