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Cover of Children of the Market Place

Children of the Market Place

Written by Edgar Lee Masters

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Historical fictionDouglas, Stephen A. (Stephen Arnold), 1813-1861

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About this book

"Children of the Market Place" by Edgar Lee Masters is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows James Miles, a young man born in London at the time of the Battle of Waterloo and raised by his mother’s family after she dies during his birth. After learning of his father's death in America, James travels to the Midwest to claim his inheritance, leading to a profound exploration of identity, family dynamics, and societal issues. The opening of the novel introduces James as he reflects on his complicated heritage resulting from his mother's tragic past and his father's absence. As he reaches the age of eighteen and learns of his father’s death, he is compelled to travel to America, a journey filled with excitement and uncertainty. The early chapters capture his experiences aboard a ship approaching New York, his observations of the bustling city, and his interactions with a fellow passenger who shares insights on American society, especially regarding race and slavery. James’s internal struggle with his identity in the midst of changing societal norms and expectations sets the stage for his eventual confrontation with his father's legacy and the challenges of his new life in a burgeoning America.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Children of the Market Place, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • reflective
  • historical
  • exploratory

Edgar Lee Masters' "Children of the Market Place" is an early 20th-century novel charting the transformative journey of James Miles. Born in London during the Battle of Waterloo and orphaned shortly after, James lives with his mother's family until he learns of his estranged American father's death. This revelation compels him to travel to the burgeoning American Midwest to claim his inheritance, initiating a profound quest for identity and self-discovery. The narrative intricately weaves James's personal struggles with his complicated heritage, his observations of 19th-century American society, and his confrontations with the legacy of his father. Through his experiences, the novel explores themes of family, societal change, justice, and the evolving American landscape.

“"One does not simply inherit land, but the very air, the very weight of deeds done upon it."”

Key themes

Identity and Heritage
The central theme revolves around James Miles's quest to understand who he is, caught between his English upbringing and his American paternity. His identity is shaped by his mother's tragic past, his father's ambiguous legacy, and his experiences in a new, rapidly changing country. The novel explores how one's personal history and inherited circumstances contribute to self-definition.
The American Dream and Societal Change
The novel examines the promise and challenges of 19th-century America, exploring the ideals of opportunity and freedom against the backdrop of rapid expansion, industrialization, and significant social unrest. It critiques the 'market place' mentality, where progress often comes at a moral cost, particularly concerning issues like slavery and economic inequality.
Legacy and Responsibility
James's journey is fundamentally driven by his father's legacy – both the material inheritance and the reputation he left behind. The novel delves into the idea that one is not only shaped by their ancestors' achievements but also by their moral failings, and the responsibility one has to confront and potentially rectify that inherited past.

Worth discussing

How does James's European upbringing influence his perception and understanding of American society?

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