Tom Grogan

"Tom Grogan" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a tale from the late 1800s centered around a powerful woman named Tom Grogan, who works as a stevedore, battling against the odds in a man's world to provide for her family. The story kicks off with Babcock, a contractor in a hurry, anxiously awaiting Tom Grogan's critical work, which highlights her skill and authority in her field. As a hardworking stevedore and dedicated mother, Tom Grogan faces challenges because of her gender. This setup introduces the central themes of the story: gender roles, labor, and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries.