Yeoman and Barbarians: Popular Outland Caricature and American Identity.

The article discusses the history of "rube" characters, or unsophisticated rural persons, in American performance. It argues that rubes were depicted as both yeomen and barbarians. The author considers rubes in American theater from the mid-nineteenth century, particularly in vaudeville and variety shows, and considers ties to minstrelsy and popular depictions of Yankee characters. Actors who performed rube characters are considered, including Cal Stewart and Frank Bell. Later rube representations in the film "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and the television show "The Beverly Hillbillies" are also explored.