Marcus; or, The Boy-Tamer

"Marcus; or, The Boy-Tamer" by Walter Aimwell is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows young Marcus Page, who takes on the responsibility of caring for a somewhat troubled cousin, Oscar, who comes from a challenging background and has been placed with Marcus's family in hopes of reformation. Through their interactions, the novel explores themes of self-governance, moral growth, and the influence older boys can have on younger ones. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Marcus, his family, and the arrival of Oscar from Boston. The setting is a rural farm in Vermont, where daily life revolves around farm chores and school. Ronald, a boy raised by Marcus's family, is particularly eager to learn about Oscar and make a new friend, though he has his own challenges to face. The initial chapters establish the dynamics of the household, Marcus's proactive role in mentoring Ronald, and set the stage for Oscar's struggle to adapt and prove himself in this new environment.