Broken to the Plow A Novel

"Broken to the Plow" by Charles Caldwell Dobie is a novel that explores the life of Fred Starratt, a man wrestling with unhappiness in his job and marriage, all while battling financial difficulties and social pressures. The story starts by showing Fred's worries about money as he prepares to attend his wife's dinner party, revealing his growing dissatisfaction with their life together. We see Fred's embarrassment about his money problems in his interactions with his demanding boss and co-worker. The tension between Fred and his wife, Helen, increases as they argue about their dreams and disappointments. This sets the scene for major conflicts when Fred decides to start his own business, a risky move that challenges their established way of life.