Meaning: The quote "At the time the world was all upside down. The American people were beginning to move around a lot. The old hometown ties had been pretty much broken. The theme of Farmer Takes a Wife appealed to people. Everybody was homesick. And it sold and sold and sold." by John Gould captures a sense of nostalgia and longing for home that was prevalent during a period of significant social and economic change in America.

During the time when this quote was relevant, the United States was undergoing a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. This led to a significant shift in the way people lived and worked. Many Americans were leaving their small, rural hometowns to seek employment opportunities in the growing cities. This mass migration resulted in the breaking of old hometown ties as people left behind the familiar and comforting aspects of their communities.

The sentiment expressed in the quote reflects the widespread feeling of homesickness and a longing for the familiar and simpler way of life that many had left behind. The mention of "The theme of Farmer Takes a Wife" suggests that the appeal of this particular story or narrative was rooted in its ability to resonate with the experiences and emotions of the American people during this time.

"Farmer Takes a Wife" was a popular play and later a book that portrayed the challenges and joys of rural life, and it struck a chord with audiences who were feeling disconnected from their roots. The storyline likely provided a sense of reassurance and comfort to those who were grappling with the upheaval and dislocation brought about by the rapid societal changes.

The author, John Gould, was known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life and the emotions that accompany it. His work often focused on the experiences of ordinary people, and in this quote, he succinctly conveys the collective longing for a sense of belonging and familiarity.

In essence, the quote reflects a pivotal moment in American history when the traditional ways of life were being disrupted, and people were yearning for the stability and connections that they had left behind. It speaks to the universal human experience of longing for home and the deep emotional impact of societal change.

As a result, "Farmer Takes a Wife" became a commercial success, resonating with a broad audience who found solace in its depiction of rural life and the enduring ties to home. The widespread appeal of this narrative reflects the broader cultural sentiment of the time, making it a significant cultural artifact that captures the collective emotions of a transformative period in American history.