The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow: A Tradition of Pennsylavania

"The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow: A Tradition of Pennsylvania" by Robert Montgomery Bird is a story from the 1800s that shows how things changed in America after the Revolutionary War, using the story of the Gilbert family falling from being rich to being poor. Starting with a look back at characters and past events in the valley where they live – especially the bad things that happened to the Gilberts at their home, Hawk-Hollow, introduces a tale, rich with local legends, where characters’ lives overflow with drama and problems. It is an interesting glimpse into Mr. Gilbert's background, telling how he started off well but went downhill because of family problems and changes happening in society - particularly what happened that was so sad to his daughter, Jessie. As the story moves forward, the peaceful nature of the Hudson River is very different from the ideas of betrayal and revenge attached to those called the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow, hinting at a connection between Colonel Falconer and these dark times. Plus, when an artist named Herman Hunter arrives, he gives an outside view of the problems following the Gilberts and makes the reader wonder about a coming fight involving those suspected to have hurt them.