Abandoned Farmhouse

1. Kooser, who has spent his entire life in the Midwest, is often inspired by the agricultural landscapes of areas like Nebraska. Historically, these areas have experienced difficult times. Farmers in particular have battled a number of setbacks, from drought to pests to bad weather (for instance, the Dust Bowl of the 1930s affected Nebraska). How does the landscape and the historical context of farming in the Midwest play into “Abandoned Farmhouse”? Knowing the historical background of the region, can you better theorize what might have happened to the family?

2. Rather than choose a human speaker, Kooser has the objects left in the farmhouse tell the story of the family and help the reader infer what might have happened. Why do you think Kooser made this decision? What feeling or tone do these speaking, abandoned objects give to the poem? What is the overall effect?

3. Because the story of the house is told by the objects in the house, Kooser leaves the reader at the end of the poem with an unsolved mystery. Rather than provide answers, “Abandoned Farmhouse” provides observation and evidence—much like a crime scene. Why do you think Kooser chose to end the poem with the mystery unsolved? How does the poem’s ending make you feel?