looking for early 20th century, small town story

[ceethreepio]

I'm a writer in a novel-writing class, and I need to find a book similar to the one I'm trying to write. I'm looking for a book that's set in a small town, with a major character who wants to leave the town but can't (not enough money), and a stranger who comes to town who might help the major character or who might dupe him/her. 1930s/early 20th century would be a major plus!

Any recommendations would be helpful!

[Margaret]

I've seen an early Paul Newman movie with a very similar plot to this, called The Long Hot Summer. According to Wikipedia, it was based on some short stories by William Faulkner, particularly "The Hamlet." I don't believe I ever read "The Hamlet," but Faulkner was quite a distinguished novelist (though not to every reader's taste), so this might impress your teacher.

[ceethreepio]

Thanks, Margaret!

[Chris Little]

Weedy Rough is a small 1920s, 30s, Ozarks Arkansas town. The grandson of a character developed in earlier Jones' novels is the central character. The boy is destined to leave town, and in the end needs grandfather Pay's help.