The Varmint

"The Varmint" by Owen Johnson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Dink Stover, who arrives at a prestigious school called Lawrenceville, where he finds himself navigating the challenges of fitting in and facing the expectations of his new environment. The opening of the novel introduces Dink Stover as he arrives at the Trenton station, armed with stolen signs and a chaotic spirit typical of his youthful bravado. As he makes his way to Lawrenceville, he engages in witty banter with his fellow travelers, showcasing his cheeky personality. Upon arrival at the school, he encounters a group of students who mock his appearance and his past, leading to an immediate sense of trepidation for Dink as he grapples with the new social dynamics. The stage is set for Stover's journey as he aspires not only to gain acceptance from his peers but also to transform his mischievous energy into something that will earn him respect. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Owen McMahon Johnson was an American writer best remembered for his stories and novels cataloguing the educational and personal growth of the fictional character Dink Stover. The "Lawrenceville Stories", set in the well-known prep school, invite comparison with Kipling's Stalky & Co. A 1950 film, The Happy Years, and a 1987 PBS mini-series, The Lawrenceville Stories, were based on them.