The primary challenge faced by Jeff and Jennie Patton in “A Summer Tragedy” is their lack of options for improving their lives and current circumstances. Their physical appearances reveal the Toll of Poverty and failing health. Jeff has lost all of his teeth. He also experienced a stroke that left him struggling to walk and to use his hands, which makes it increasingly difficult for him to farm and support the family. Jennie’s appearance also reinforces her weakness and frailty; she is described as “scrawny and gnarled as a string bean” (349) and “as thin, as sharp and bony, as a starved bird” (355). In addition to her small, frail stature, Jennie also has blindness and uses a cane to feel her way around the house. In addition to worrying about his ability to keep farming, Jeff realizes that Jennie will not be able to fully care for him in the event of any future health concerns. He worries that another stroke would leave him bedridden, and “with a frail blind woman to look after him, he would be worse off than if he were dead” (356).

Jeff and Jennie’s failing health is directly tied to their economic insecurity and lack of control over their circumstances.