I am currently preparing research for a set of novellas set in Perry County, Pennsylvania. But I was wondering whether or not a story set in (very) rural Pennsylvania between the Mexican-American and Civil War could be called a Western, if other genre elements were present-- namely, a sense of lawlessness, and interaction with Native Americans. In addition, there are 'independent' male figures and the story is a moral allegory.
Other things to note: the language is more literary; violence occurs infrequently but - when it occurs - it is brutal and unglorified; there is a strong religious element; there is more than one first person narrator.
Any help on this topic is appreciated.
Other things to note: the language is more literary; violence occurs infrequently but - when it occurs - it is brutal and unglorified; there is a strong religious element; there is more than one first person narrator.
Any help on this topic is appreciated.
