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The revenue arising from his school was small, and would…

“The revenue arising from his school was small, and would have been scarcely sufficient to furnish him with daily bread, for he was a huge feeder, and, though lank, had the dilating powers of an anaconda; but to help out his maintenance, he was, according to country custom in those parts, boarded…” quote by Washington Irving
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““The revenue arising from his school was small, and would have been scarcely sufficient to furnish him with daily bread, for he was a huge feeder, and, though lank, had the dilating powers of an anaconda; but to help out his maintenance, he was, according to country custom in those parts, boarded and lodged at the houses of the farmers whose children he instructed.””

Washington Irving

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A teacher, despite modest earnings, lives off the generosity of the farming families he serves, highlighting communal support and the modest life of a rural educator.

In simple terms: A poor teacher relies on community generosity for survival.

Key Takeaway

Value community support for those with limited means.

Themes

poverty community education rural life

Mood

nostalgic thoughtful

Type

historical social

When to use this quote

  • teaching in rural areas
  • historical education
  • community reciprocity

Key Concepts

social economics mutual aid

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does community aid shape personal dignity?
  • What are the limits of communal support?
A Different Perspective

May overlook personal agency of the teacher.

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