The Ox-Bow Incident

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The Ox-Bow Incident

novel by Clark

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Article History

The Ox-Bow Incident, novel by Walter van Tilburg Clark, published in 1940. This psychological study of corrupt leadership and mob rule was read as a parable about fascism when it first appeared. Set in Nevada in 1885, the story concerns the brutal lynching of three characters falsely accused of murder and theft. It details how the strong-willed leader of the lynch mob, Major Tetley, easily manipulates the suppressed resentment and boredom of the townspeople.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.