Jason Edwards: An Average Man

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.

The story begins with Garland introducing Walter Reeve, described as level-headed. It 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.

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