The Leatherwood God

"The Leatherwood God" by William Dean Howells is a story set in the early 1800s, where a rural community experiences a religious awakening when Dylks, a strange man calling himself the Leatherwood God, arrives. The tale centers around Matthew Braile and other settlers as they grapple with Dylks' increasing influence fueled by claims of divine power. The narrative introduces the quiet, agricultural community of Leatherwood Creek, ripe with spiritual enthusiasm but also hidden disagreements. The beginning of the story shows conversations between locals, like Matthew Braile, who is doubtful, and Abel Reverdy, who is excited, discussing the captivating impression Dylks made at a recent meeting. Dylks' sudden appearance and odd behavior, like his memorable loud snort, stir both dedication and skepticism, shaking the foundation of their beliefs and foreshadowing conflict within the community as his impact starts to spread.