The Virginian is from MODG’s 9th Grade Reading List

The Virginian by Owen Wister was written in 1902 and is set in Wyoming, in the 1880's. The Virginian, the hero of the novel, represents the ideal American cowboy, and the book revolves around the duties he carried out while working on a cattle ranch for Judge Henry. One major crisis in the novel occurs when Judge Henry asks the Virginian to take care of some cattle rustlers, which he does, though with great reluctance and not without much agony of conscience. This unfortunate incident leads the reader to consider important moral questions surrounding natural and civil laws. The story is both thought-provoking and entertaining!

Recommended by Ellie Yanoschik, MODG Publishing Manager & MODG Alum

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