ABSTRACT
Henry Wright’s Depopulation is a satirical account of the decline of population as a result of falling family sizes among the middle and upper classes. The tale is firmly grounded in urban America of the late nineteenth century. After the sun had set, and the glitter no longer lay on the marble palaces, these two still sat in the soft twilight, and discussed all the pros and cons, and ways and means by which to compass their future little home and make it perfectly happy. The wage reduction which took place throughout the factories, mills, and offices of Minosa, fell upon Arnold and Charlotte with the rest. It was but a short time now until their marriage, if they carried out their intention of marrying on the great Metzler wedding-day. When they reached the end of their climb, Arnold and Charlotte sat down at a little table upon the open plateau of the hill-top to take their coffee.
