45 pages 1 hour read

Cormac McCarthy

The Orchard Keeper

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1965

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 1Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual assault.

In a short prologue, three men examine a piece of metal fencing that has become embedded in a tree. Due to the presence of the metal, they cannot cut down the tree.

Kenneth Rattner hitchhikes on a “white and scorching” road through Tennessee (6). He steals small items from gas stations and asks for a lift to town.

Red Branch is a small community in the mountains of Tennessee. Marion Sylder is born in Red Branch in 1913, and after leaving school in 1929, he works a series of jobs “with hammer and saw” (8). He quits and leaves town, disappearing for five years.

The Green Fly Inn is a precariously constructed bar in Red Branch. The bar is perched on the side of a steep slope and occasionally rattles when the drinkers inside move too much. After five years away, Marion walks into the Green Fly and buys a round of drinks for the customers. He is dressed in a “resplendent” manner.

Kenneth hitchhikes and assaults people, stealing their money. He sustains injuries.

Marion drives a “little coupe” that becomes a familiar sight around Red Branch.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 45 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,500+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools