Tubal Cain

"Tubal Cain" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a story about Alexander Hulings, a lawyer who feels like he has failed at everything. He is not happy with his job or his soon-to-be wife. The story looks at big ideas like what people want out of life, who they are, and how work connects to being human. Hulings decides to leave the law and visit his cousin's iron forge called Tubal Cain. Meeting new acquaintances during his travels, he hopes to become a new person by working with iron, leaving his previous letdowns behind. The opening events show a man ready to change his life and face whatever comes next in achieving significance and triumph.