Judd Rankin's Daughter by Susan Glaspell
"Judd Rankin's Daughter" is the final novel by American author Susan Glaspell, published in 1945. Set in the mid-1940s, the story interweaves themes of social advancement and the search for greater awareness among its characters. The narrative contrasts the conservative values of Midwestern America with the more progressive ideologies prevalent in New England, particularly Provincetown, Massachusetts, where Glaspell lived. Central to the story is Francis Rankin Mitchell, whose perspectives guide readers through four character sketches that explore conflicts with societal norms.
The novel features a diverse cast, including Francis's father, Judd Rankin, a gentleman farmer and local newspaper publisher, and her son Judson, who grapples with emotional turmoil after returning from World War II. The tension between personal ideals and societal expectations is a recurring theme, as characters seek wisdom and understanding amidst their struggles. The narrative ultimately conveys an optimistic vision of a world where individuals can rise above social and national barriers, advocating for a philosophy of life rooted in compassion and collective responsibility. Glaspell's nuanced approach leaves many questions open to interpretation, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of social progress and human connection.
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Judd Rankin's Daughter by Susan Glaspell
First published: 1945
The Work
Susan Glaspell’s last novel, Judd Rankin’s Daughter, is concerned with social advancement and humankind’s potential for greater awareness. Glaspell, who was born and educated in Iowa, illustrates the regional conflict of midwestern conservatism and the more radical political philosophies of New England, particularly Provincetown, Massachusetts, where Glaspell lived and where the novel is set.
The work contains four character sketches that feature people in conflict with societal or ideological values. The central figure, Francis Rankin Mitchell, is not the focal character of each section, but often her perceptions are vital to the reader’s understanding. The story is set in 1944. Part 1 introduces Cousin Adah, a free spirit and nonconformist from Iowa, who dies before she relays her worldly wisdom to a young soldier headed to World War II. In part 2, Glaspell presents Judd Rankin, Francis’ father, a seventy-six-year-old gentleman farmer who publishes a local paper, Out Here.
Part 3 occupies the major portion of the novel. Francis lives in Provincetown with her family. Her husband Len, a writer for a leftist magazine, advocates socialist causes. The children, Madeleine and Judson, are abandoning adolescence for adulthood. Judson, disturbed by his war experience, returns home confused and withdrawn.
In part 4, Francis returns to Iowa. She seeks the same wisdom that the young soldier of part 1 desired from Cousin Adah. Francis is troubled by her son Judson’s emotional breakdown, so she appeals to her father for help; he complies by writing Judson a letter. Judson, as is his mother Francis, is searching for truth—a way to view the world. After reading his grandfather’s letter, Judson no longer feels alone; his grandfather explains life in a manner that Judson can understand.
Judd Rankin’s Daughter expresses the hope that Americans can develop a philosophy of life that will transcend social and national boundaries. The family dreams of a world where “fine fellows” give the shirts off their backs to clothe others. The family pictures what “life could be like,” as Judson states in the closing chapter.
In 1945, the novel received positive reviews as the work of a polished writer and observer of human nature. Its ambiguities were also noted. Glaspell leaves some issues open to interpretation; for example, the wisdom in Judd Rankin’s letter that brings self-revelation to Judson is never revealed, just as Cousin Adah dies before dispensing her advice. Thus, Glaspell only hints at solutions for social advancement. Her novel suggests that progressive idealism and freedom can improve society and the individual.
Bibliography
Carpentier, Martha C. “Susan Glaspell’s Fiction: Fidelity as American Romance.” Twentieth Century Literature 40 (Spring, 1994): 92-113.
Levin, Milton. “Susan Glaspell.” In American Writers, edited by Lea Beachler and A. Walton Litz. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1991.
McGovern, Edythe M. “Susan Glaspell.” In American Women Writers, edited by Lina Mainierto. New York: Frederick Ungar, 1980.