Dorothy Scarborough, American author (d. 1935)

Emily Dorothy Scarborough (January 27, 1878 – November 7, 1935) was a distinguished American writer, literary critic, and pioneering folklorist whose profound body of work offered an invaluable lens into the multifaceted life of the American Southwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Mount Calm, Texas, her deep roots in the region profoundly shaped her literary output and academic pursuits.

A Pioneer in American Letters

A scholar with a strong academic foundation, Scarborough earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University, where she later became a faculty member, teaching courses in American literature and the short story. Prior to her tenure at Columbia, she also taught at Baylor University in Texas. Her literary contributions extended beyond fiction, encompassing significant non-fiction works and collections that cemented her legacy as an important chronicler of American culture and folklore.

Themes Explored in Emily Dorothy Scarborough's Works

Texas and the Southwest Landscape

Scarborough's writing vividly captures the expansive and often unforgiving landscape of Texas and the broader Southwest. She explored how the environment, particularly the isolated and arid conditions, shaped human experience and character. Her seminal novel, The Wind (1925), famously depicts the psychological toll of the harsh Texan frontier on a young woman, sparking considerable debate upon its release for its unflinching realism and portrayal of the region's challenges.

Folk Culture and Folklore Collection

As a dedicated folklorist, Scarborough meticulously documented and analyzed the rich tapestry of American folk culture. Her groundbreaking work, On the Trail of Negro Folk-Songs (1925), stands as a monumental achievement, being one of the earliest comprehensive scholarly collections of African American spirituals, work songs, and other secular melodies. This work was vital for preserving an important part of American cultural heritage, showcasing her commitment to ethnographic research and the study of oral traditions and was based on her extensive field research.

Cotton Farming and Rural Life

Her narratives often delved into the intricacies of cotton farming, providing a realistic portrayal of the agricultural economy and the lives of those dependent on it. Scarborough explored the social dynamics, economic hardships, and daily routines of sharecroppers and farmers, offering insights into the agrarian society of the South and Southwest during a pivotal era. Works like Can't Get a Red Bird (1929) illustrate these themes, highlighting the challenges and resilience within these communities.

Ghost Stories and the Supernatural

Scarborough possessed a keen interest in the supernatural and the macabre, particularly in the context of regional legends and superstitions. She not only wrote her own ghost stories but also compiled and edited significant anthologies, such as Humorous Ghost Stories (1921) and Famous Modern Ghost Stories (1921). These collections contributed to the genre by presenting a diverse range of spectral tales, often infused with local color and psychological depth, reflecting her academic approach to folklore even in fiction.

Women's Life and Experiences

A recurring and vital theme in her work was the portrayal of women's lives in the Southwest. Scarborough explored the challenges, resilience, and unique perspectives of women navigating isolated frontier conditions, societal expectations, and personal struggles. Her characters often grappled with themes of independence, adaptation, and survival, providing a compelling look at female agency within specific historical and geographical contexts, making her a significant voice for women's experiences of the era.

Emily Dorothy Scarborough's enduring legacy lies in her ability to merge rigorous academic scholarship with compelling storytelling. Her works provide not only engaging narratives but also invaluable historical and cultural records of the American South and Southwest, making her a significant figure in both American literature and folklore studies whose contributions continue to be recognized for their depth and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emily Dorothy Scarborough

• Who was Emily Dorothy Scarborough?

  Emily Dorothy Scarborough was an American writer, folklorist, and literary critic, born in Texas, known for her works focusing on the American Southwest, folk culture, cotton farming, ghost stories, and women's experiences in the region. She was also a respected academic, teaching at Baylor University and Columbia University.

• What were Emily Dorothy Scarborough's most notable contributions to literature?

  Her most significant contributions include the controversial novel The Wind (1925), which depicted the harsh realities of life in West Texas, and the pioneering folklore collection On the Trail of Negro Folk-Songs (1925), a foundational work in African American ethnomusicology and a crucial effort to preserve cultural heritage.

• Did Emily Dorothy Scarborough teach at a university?

  Yes, Emily Dorothy Scarborough taught at Baylor University and later at Columbia University, where she earned her Ph.D. and became a respected faculty member in literature, influencing many students with her insights into American culture and writing.