by Charles Dudley Warner<\/p>\n
Backlog refers to the large piece of wood that supports the fire in a large fire place (and therefore lasts longest). In the beginning of the book, Warner expresses his fear that fireplaces are going out of style with the introduction of new technologies for heating homes and that the important things that happen around fireplaces are also destined to disappear, namely conversations with family and neighbors and the contemplation and reflection that fireplaces inspire. The book is a “study” or demonstration of the conversation that fireplaces inspire.<\/em><\/p>\n This extended dialogue is Warner\u2019s attempt to capture the tone of Nook Farm conversations. The topics in these excerpts hover around what was known at the time as “The Woman Question,” that is, what role should women play in society? This debate includes the\u00a0 nature of art and novels and especially female authors, who were rising in popularity during this period. The following characters correspond to the author, his wife, his neighbor, and the pastor of Asylum Hill Congregational Church (which they attended).<\/em><\/p>\n It was common for guests to stay for days or even weeks in the 19th century.<\/em><\/p>\n Fire-Tender<\/strong> – Charles Dudley Warner Second Study, Part IV<\/a><\/p>\n Third Study, Parts I, II, III, IV<\/a><\/p>\n Sixth Study, Part III<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Backlog Studies by Charles Dudley Warner Introduction and Cast of Characters Backlog refers to the large piece of wood that supports the fire in a large fire place (and therefore lasts longest). In the beginning of the book, Warner expresses his fear that fireplaces are going out of style with the introduction of new technologies … Continue reading Backlog Studies – Introduction and Cast<\/span>
\nMistress<\/strong> – Susan Lee Warner
\nHerbert<\/strong> – a pleasant young man, love interest of the Young Lady
\nThe Young Lady Staying with Us<\/strong> – a friend\u00a0 staying the winter
\nMandeville<\/strong> – a longwinded visitor who travels the world
\nOur Next-Door Neighbor<\/strong> – Mark Twain
\nThe Parson<\/strong> – the Rev. Joseph Twichell<\/p>\n