Jason Edwards: an Average Man is an 1892 novel by American author Hamlin Garland. First published by the Arena Publishing Company in Boston, the novel is divided into two parts entitled The Mechanic and The Farmer, respectively. There are two major settings that accompany each section. In the first part, the setting is in Boston and then moves to Boomtown, a prairie town in the Midwest, in the second part. The book takes place over a period of ten years, beginning in 1879 and finishing in 1889, but an important part of the novel takes place in 1884 as well. Most scenes written about in the novel are set in the summer months. Jason Edwards takes place during the Gilded Age in American History.
Garland wrote Jason Edwards to promote the taxation and land reform theories of Henry George.
Plot
Part I - The Mechanic The story begins with Garland introducing Walter Reeve, described as level-headed. It was 1869 and he has just arrived in Boston after finishing college and takes stock of his new surroundings. After procuring lodging in this new city, Walter visits the newspaper Events in search of employment. After a short conversation with one of the editors, Walter is told to go see Mr. Dagget, an older editor who decides to give Walter a chance after a few amusing comments from the young man. Walter then resolves to know the town better than anyone, including street names, landmarks, and the people that inhabit them. While studying the city, he sends in stories to Dagget, which are occasionally used by the paper. After continuing his efforts to gain a position at Events and sending in story after story, Walter is eventually given a small salary. His workload becomes heavier and heavier, but he uses it as a chance to show his value. "Life went on amazingly well for him" and within five years Walter becomes the "Dramatic Editor" on the Events with a good salary.
One day in his fifth year in the city, while Walter Reeves is observing the Boston bustle, a girl passes by that catches his eye and stays in his mind as he loses sight of her. He romanticizes about this mysterious girl for weeks when his artist friend, Jerome Austin, convinces him to come out one night. That night Walter sees the mysterious girl, who he sees singing, and finally meets her, learning her name is Alice (Allie) Edwards. He talks with Alice and learns her address, 700 Pleasant Avenue. During their conversation she mentions her father is a mechanic, but it is of no consequence to Walter. Jason Edwards is then introduced as Allie's father when she leaves Walter for the night. He asks about Walter, and Alice replies that he liked her song very much, which her little sister, Linnie, promptly agrees with. We learn that Jason Edwards is a reserved, hard working man, and Alice wishes she could work to give her father rest. Meanwhile, Walter Reeves is completely lovestruck and merry with thoughts of Alice.
One stifling hot day in June, Reeves is walking with Alice along Pleasant Avenue. The scene is a loud and confusing mess, with children and workers running amuck. They arrive at Alice's home, which has the effect of "tasteful economy, but not comfort." Alice sits at the piano in the room, and Mrs. Edwards, Alice's mother, gives the two young people some privacy. Reeves and Alice are alone now. We learn they have been together for a year, and Reeves hopes desperately to marry her as soon as possible. Alice is indefinite in her decision to marry him because she says she is happy now. She says she wants to make her own money, and Reeves responds by calling her a modern woman. Alice claims she can not be dependent and that she wants to work. Eventually, they come to a stalemate when Alice tells Reeves that she can not leave her parents in horrible conditions, and the lovers part ways. Linnie informs everyone that "poppa" (Jason Edwards) is home. Jason Edwards says his work is "one eternal tread-mill" and continues to complain about the increasing struggle. When the family receives a notice that rent will be raised, Jason Edwards has the shadow of defeat across his face. After suffering this new setback, the family eventually resolves to move west, where Edwards claims there is free land and no landlords.
Jason Edwards seems like a new man to everyone. He informs the men at his previous workplace of his plan, where some decide to join and other decline. He uses this time to take in all that he is leaving, and it has never looked worse to him.
Walter Reeves muses over Alice. He attends a man's sermon about poverty, where Reeves has a revelation about the overall discontent in the city. His co-workers praise him the next day for his article on the subject, and then have their own argument about how to remedy the situation. Reeves receives a letter from Alice asking for his presence, and he leaves as Mr. Dagget and the other editors tease him. Reeves believes Alice wants to accept his request for marriage, but then he learns that she and the family are moving to the West. Reeves accuses Alice of leaving him, but Alice defends herself by saying her family needs her. In the end, the lovers part ways again and Alice promises to write.
Part II - The Farmer It is an intolerably hot day in Boomtown in July, 1889. Boomtown is the prairie town where the Edwards family now resides. We are introduced to Judge Balser, Frank Graham, and Hank Whiting, who are all lounging in the judge's office. His office is painted with the words: "Land Agent and Attorney-at-Law." The three men speak of tough times and mention that the Edwards family is having a rough time and might go under. We learn that Alice is the only thing stopping the farm from going under with her work as a music teacher. Frank Graham remarks that the West was supposed to be perfect for a poor man, which offends the judge. Judge Balser is the landlord of the West to the Edwards family and many others as we learn he has sold them all land. Another farmer by the name of Elliot stops by at the judge's office. He jokes with the men and tells them about the worrisome harvest that he and Edwards share. After he leaves, the three lounging men spot an approaching figure in the distance, who they label as a tenderfoot.
The figure is Walter Reeves, coming to visit Alice. He has only received cold, formal letters from her. In her absence, his mother moved in with him. Reeves is visiting Alice now because his mother has died, and he wants Alice to come home with him, so he is not alone. Reeves stops by the judge's office hoping to find information about the Edwards family. Judge Balser is putting on a charade to trick Reeves as he enters. Reeves plays along at first, but later drops the act when he learns about the reality of the West, becoming more worried about Alice's condition. Frank befriends him, gives him some unsettling information about the Edwards family, and they go to dinner.
The Edwards homestead is a beaten and shelterless shanty. There is nothing to hide a child against the unyielding sun. Jason Edwards works as hard as ever, and has become bent and lame due to the midwestern farming life. Alice is worn and weary, peering off into the distance, but then sees a carriage approaching. As Edwards staggers out to the fields, Reeves arrive at the shanty to find Alice. Contrary to her letters, Alice longed for his company and Reeves is just as happy to see her. They begin arguing over Alice leaving her family, and Reeves offers an ultimatum. If she does not come with him, then they will never see each other again. Alice is resilient, and Reeves helplessly rides away in the carriage.
Alice is distraught over her decision. Her mother believes she should have left with Reeves. As Mrs. Edwards is comforting her daughter, Judge Balster and Frank Graham arrive at the shanty. Alice pleads for mercy from the judge about the mortgage, but he calmly refuses. Alice is indignant and realizes that life in the West is no different than Boston as they will be homeless again. All visitors leave as Edwards returns home.
Jason Edwards arrives home defeated. He has no hope left and claims his life a failure. After fifty years of labor, he still cannot provide for his family. Mrs. Edwards suggests selling the farm and returning to Boston, but Edwards says no one will buy it. Linnie spots a brewing storm in the distance and alerts the family. They all huddle together as the storm begins, showering the farm. The thunderstorm becomes fierce as hail pounds the shanty and winds rip out the windows.
After the storm ended, the farm is a wreck. The shanty is ruined, and all the crops are flattened beyond repair. Jason Edwards is unconscious and Mrs. Edwards is completely speechless. Alice orders Linnie to go to Mrs. Elliot, and she tries her best to take care of her father and mother.
After Reeves rides away, he regrets his anger and wishes to go back to ask for forgiveness, but the storm stops him. He is forced into Elliot's house for shelter with Frank Graham and Judge Balser as well. Afterwards, Linnie brings word to everyone at the Elliot farm about what happened to her family. They all rush to the shanty, where they find Alice bending over her father. As they all ride to Graham's house for medical attention, Reeves notes nature's forgetfulness of man: "she knows not, and cares nothing."
In the midst of Edwards' shaky state, Reeves and Alice speak again about their life together. Reeves desperately hopes Alice will come with him after this incident, but Alice repeats that her first duty is to her parents. When Edwards wakes from his stupor, he finds everyone standing over him, and is surprised to see Reeves. He realizes the situation and figures he might as well die. Edwards is broken, saying he has been driven out of everywhere, including Derry, Boston, and now the West. "They ain't no landlords in the grave," he says. His family weeps and leave to find him more comfort. While Reeves remains, Edwards realizes he is paralyzed, but forbids Reeves to tell anyone. Reeves realizes he is present at an American tragedy, the collapse of the working man.
Reeves says he will take care of the family from now on, but Edwards refuses, his pride still intact. At last, after an impassioned speech from Reeves about Edwards' heroic worldwide battle against hunger and cold, he relents and allows Reeves to bring him back to Derry. Reeves will finally be with Jason Edwards will receive the rest he desires. In the final scene of the novel, the family and Reeves are heading back on a train, and Edwards smiles as the sun streams across his daughter's heads.
Characters
Major characters Walter Reeves - A stalwart figure with "laughing eyes" and a moustache who is described as level-headed. He grew up in New England and starts his life in Boston as a newspaper editor for Daily Events. He falls in love with Alice Edwards and is devoted to her from the moment they meet. He tries to convince Alice to marry him, but is turned down repeatedly by what he calls the "modern woman." He is the successful middle-class of the Gilded Age who enjoyed prosperity during this time. Alice (Allie) Edwards - She is the love interest of Walter Reeves. She is a singer trying to go to school to make it her profession. She is strong-willed and has a lot of pride in her work and family. Walter Reeves describes her as the "modern woman," which is appropriate because the Progressive Era is approaching where women played a larger role in society. Jason Edwards - Father of Alice. He is middle-aged with a gray beard. He is reserved in acts of tenderness and affection, and cares most about his family. He works very hard, but is always in poverty. His obstinate pride will never allow him to accept charity. He represents the farmers and industrial workers that suffered from under-pay and over-work.