The Varmint

by Owen Johnson

Overview

The varmint traces the inner shift from defiance to self-awareness in a young student placed within a structured and socially complex institution. The narrative uses the school setting to expose the quiet tensions between conformity and individuality as the protagonist confronts the expectations of a rigid social environment. Humor and rebellion are not presented as ends in themselves but as gateways to deeper reflection about influence, identity, and maturity. The early interactions serve as a mirror to how status is shaped in closed communities, where appearances and past impressions can sharply influence one's place. The story gradually builds an exploration of how youthful energy, when guided and challenged, can evolve into something purposeful and meaningful. Instead of focusing solely on antics or external milestones, the novel probes the emotional evolution of its central figure as he wrestles with the impulse to stand out versus the desire to be accepted. It is ultimately a story about turning restlessness into direction and understanding the value of earned respect in a world built on unspoken codes and shifting alliances.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940000878415
Publisher:	B&R Samizdat Express
Publication date:	03/01/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	167 KB

About the Author

Owen McMahon Johnson was an American author known for capturing the spirit of youth and the complexities of personal development through fiction. Born on August 27, 1878, in New York City to Robert Underwood Johnson and Katherine McMahon Johnson, he developed an early interest in storytelling, later becoming widely recognized for his series of Lawrenceville Stories. These works focused on the character Dink Stover and were set in a prestigious prep school, offering insight into educational environments and the formative experiences of adolescence. Johnson s writing reflected a blend of humor, social observation, and psychological insight, often comparing favorably to works by contemporaries such as Rudyard Kipling. His exploration of character growth, especially within elite academic and social settings, gained popularity for its authenticity and narrative charm. Although he ventured into other genres, his legacy rests largely on his vivid portrayal of young characters navigating authority, friendship, and identity. Johnson remained active in literary and cultural circles throughout his life, publishing novels and articles that highlighted American values and individual dilemmas. He died on January 27, 1952, in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, leaving behind a body of work noted for its focus on growth, social interaction, and moral inquiry.