The uncalled : $b A novel

"The Uncalled" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the small, impoverished town of Dexter, Ohio, and explores themes of life, death, and the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants. The central character introduced in the initial chapters is Freddie Brent, a young boy grappling with the consequences of his mother’s untimely death and the impact of societal neglect. The opening of the novel sets a somber tone, as it begins with the dreary morning after the death of Margaret Brent. We are introduced to a group of women gathered in Margaret's ramshackle home as they prepare for her burial. Their conversations reveal their indifference and judgment towards Margaret's struggles with alcoholism, as well as a shared societal tendency to prioritize the living over the dead. Amidst this, young Freddie awakens to the harsh reality of his new life without his mother, and the women attempt to figure out what to do with him. The scene captures both the despair of loss and the complexities of community, hinting at Freddie's uncertain future as he is caught between the expectations of his new guardians and the legacy of his mother.