Here's why:
* Setting: The play is set in the rural Midwest at the turn of the century, a time and place known for its agricultural focus and often harsh conditions.
* Characters: The farmer and his family represent the typical residents of this setting, struggling to survive and make a living from the land.
* Conflict: The conflict arises from the "elements" – likely referring to natural challenges like weather, pests, or economic hardship.
* Theme: The play likely explores themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and the struggle for survival against the odds.
Rural realism is a literary genre that focuses on the lives and struggles of ordinary people in rural settings. It often depicts the hardships and challenges faced by farmers and other rural residents, as well as the beauty and strength of the natural world.
Some famous examples of rural realism include:
* "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
* "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
* "The Ox-Bow Incident" by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
The plotline you describe fits perfectly within this genre.