Poetry · Chapter
The Old Snake Fence explained
This poem reflects on the early pioneer's use of the zigzag snake fence, praising its utility and simplicity while acknowledging its eventual replacement by more efficient fencing methods.
What happens
This poem reflects on the early pioneer's use of the zigzag snake fence, praising its utility and simplicity while acknowledging its eventual replacement by more efficient fencing methods.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the boy’s childish joy and naive belief that he can see Ameri…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Pioneer and Settler Struggles
The poem details the pioneer's labor in clearing land and building fences, emphasizing the challenges and resourcefulness of early settlers.
- Progress and Technology
Contrasts the old snake fence with modern wire and board fences, illustrating technological advancement and changing agricultural practices.
Characters to notice
- James McIntyre
Author of the poem, reflecting on pioneer life and the old snake fence.
Key passages
“In early times the pioneer When a few acres he did clear, He found an ample recompense For splitting rails and making fence.”
In the early days, a pioneer who cleared a few acres was well rewarded for the work of splitting rails and building fences.
Highlights the pioneer's reward for labor in land clearing.
“And though the old snake fence must fall, ’Twas easy made, axe, wedge and maul, Were all the tools the pioneer Required the old rail fence to rear.”
Although the old snake fence is now obsolete, it was simple to build using only an axe, wedge, and maul.
Emphasizes the simplicity and eventual obsolescence of the snake fence.
“But old style fence doth waste much land, Where weeds do grow and bush expand, And thistle down doth blow from thence, So folks build wire and the board fence.”
The old fence wasted land, allowing weeds and bushes to grow and thistles to spread, so people now build wire and board fences instead.
Explains the practical reasons for replacing snake fences with more efficient designs.
