The Empty Sack

"The Empty Sack" by Basil King is a story set in the early 1900s. It follows Josiah Follett, a bank clerk who is getting older, as he might lose his job because the bank thinks he's not as useful anymore. The story looks at how hard it is to make money, the duty you have to your family, and the problems that come up between the Follett and Collingham families because they are from different social classes. The book starts with Josiah about to talk to his boss, Mr. Collingham, about getting a raise. He really needs it. Before his meeting, we also learn about Miss Ruddick, the secretary, who is very good at her job but doesn't show much sympathy. The story shows Josiah worrying about taking care of his family while also being scared of losing his job. It shows the hard lives of working people as they deal with big companies that don't really care about them. The first part of the book hints at the problems Josiah and his family will have later on.