Cotter, Joseph S. (Joseph Seamon) 1861-1949 creator text utu 2012 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Negro Tales" by Joseph S. Cotter is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work explores themes of life, struggle, and the complexity of human relationships within the African American experience, often through the lens of humor and tragedy. The opening narratives introduce a variety of characters dealing with their circumstances, highlighting social issues and the interplay between personal flaws and societal expectations. At the start of the collection, the first story, "Caleb," sets a somber and critical tone by depicting a family dynamic marred by conflict and tragedy. As the conversation turns dark between Caleb and his parents, his father's unexpected death unfolds dramatically, leaving his mother to grapple with grief and questions about responsibility. The narrative quickly escalates, revealing Caleb's morally ambiguous character, deep disdain for others’ judgments, and tendency towards self-serving attitudes that lead to further disintegration of familial bonds. Meanwhile, subsequent snippets hint at other characters facing similar dilemmas, establishing a framework for the exploration of themes like poverty, betrayal, and the search for dignity amidst life's adversities. (This is an automatically generated summary.) The author -- Caleb -- Rodney -- Tesney, the deceived -- Regnan's anniversary -- "Kotchin' de nines" -- A town sketch -- The stump of a cigar -- A rustic comedy -- The Jackal and the Lion -- The King's shoes -- How Mr. Rabbit secures a pretty wife and rich father-in-law -- The little boy and Mister Dark -- Observation -- The Boy and the ideal -- The negro and the automobile -- Faith in the white folks -- The cane and the umbrella. Release date is 2012-12-09 Produced by sp1nd, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Original publication data not identified Short stories, American African Americans -- Fiction PS Original publication data not identified 13000384 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41590 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41590 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133942.0 41590