“The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

“The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte, first published in 1869 in the collection The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Sketches, features a group of outcasts who are forced to leave a small Californian town called Poker Flat, and embark on a perilous journey to a nearby settlement. The story is set during the California Gold Rush era and explores themes of morality, redemption, and the American frontier spirit. The collection “The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Sketches” is considered a classic of American literature and offers a glimpse into the lives of individuals living on the margins of society during the Gold Rush era.

Main Events in “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

1. Expulsion from Poker Flat: Mr. Oakhurst, the Duchess, Mother Shipton, and Uncle Billy are expelled from the town of Poker Flat due to their perceived immorality and undesirable behavior, despite some objections.
2. Journey into the Mountains: The group, accompanied by armed men, embarks on a journey towards Sandy Bar but finds themselves stranded in the Sierras due to harsh weather conditions.
3. Struggle for Survival: As the group’s provisions dwindle, they rely on alcohol for sustenance, which leads to further complications in their already dire situation.
4. Encounter with Tom Simson and Piney Woods: Tom Simson, also known as “The Innocent,” and his companion Piney Woods stumble upon the group and offer assistance, revealing their own reasons for fleeing Poker Flat.
5. Formation of a Makeshift Community: Despite the odds, the group forms a bond and attempts to make the best of their situation, with Tom and Piney contributing their resources to the collective survival effort.
6. Betrayal and Loss: Uncle Billy’s betrayal, stealing the group’s mules and provisions, highlights the fragility of their circumstances and leads to further hardship.
7. Camaraderie and Resilience: Despite the betrayal, the group remains resilient, finding solace in each other’s company and seeking diversion through storytelling and music.
8. Enduring the Harsh Winter: As the snowfall intensifies, the group becomes increasingly isolated, relying on dwindling resources and each other for support.
9. Sacrifice and Compassion: Mother Shipton sacrifices her own rations for the sake of Piney, demonstrating an act of compassion amidst their dire circumstances.
10. Decline and Death: Mother Shipton’s health deteriorates, symbolizing the group’s gradual decline, and she passes away quietly, urging Mr. Oakhurst to keep her sacrifice a secret.
11. Isolation and Despair: The relentless snowfall and dwindling provisions heighten the group’s sense of isolation and despair, emphasizing their dire predicament.
12. Resignation to Fate: Mr. Oakhurst accepts the inevitability of their situation, maintaining his stoic demeanor even as their chances of survival diminish.
13. Lasting Bonds: Despite their ultimate fate, the group’s bond and solidarity endure, providing some comfort in their final moments.
14. Reflection on Luck and Fate: Mr. Oakhurst reflects on the unpredictability of luck and fate, recognizing the transient nature of both and the inevitability of change.
15. Closure: The story closes with the group’s fate uncertain, leaving readers to ponder the harsh realities of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Literary Devices in “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“Tom Simson, otherwise known as the ‘Innocent’ of Sandy Bar.”	Reference to a previous event or character (Tom Simson) known to the narrator or characters.
Foreshadowing	“Mr. Oakhurst alone remained silent.”	Hints at future events, suggesting that Mr. Oakhurst may have a significant role to play.
Imagery	“A wooded amphitheater, surrounded on three sides by precipitous cliffs of naked granite.”	Vivid description using sensory details to create a mental image of the setting.
Irony	“It was certain that, in Mother Shipton’s words, he ‘didn’t say cards once’ during that evening.”	The irony lies in the fact that Mr. Oakhurst, known for his gambling, refrains from playing cards, despite the opportunity.
Metaphor	“Through the marvelously clear air the smoke of the pastoral village of Poker Flat rose miles away.”	A comparison between the smoke and the village using “like” or “as” is implied but not stated explicitly.
Personification	“The wind lulled as if it feared to waken them.”	Giving human characteristics to non-human entities (the wind), enhancing the atmosphere of quiet and peace.
Repetition	“‘I’m proud to live in the service of the Lord, And I’m bound to die in His army.'”	Repeated phrase used to emphasize a particular theme or idea, in this case, the characters’ resolve and faith.
Simile	“Feathery drifts of snow, shaken from the long pine boughs, flew like white-winged birds.”	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as,” enhancing the imagery of snow drifting gently in the wind.
Symbolism	“And so reclining, the younger and purer pillowing the head of her soiled sister upon her virgin breast.”	The actions symbolize forgiveness, acceptance, and compassion between the two characters, transcending social judgment.
Flashback	“Some months before he had chanced upon a stray copy of Mr. Pope’s ingenious translation of the ILIAD.”	A narrative device where the story temporarily moves backward in time, recalling events that happened earlier.
Hyperbole	“There’s one chance in a hundred to save her yet.”	Deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize the slim possibility of saving Piney, adding tension to the situation.
Mood	“The wind lulled as if it feared to waken them.”	The atmosphere or emotional tone established by the narrative, here conveying a sense of peace and tranquility despite the harsh conditions.
Parallelism	“He did not waken the sleepers. The Innocent slumbered peacefully.”	The repetition of similar grammatical structures (subject-verb-object) for rhetorical effect, highlighting Mr. Oakhurst’s actions.
Suspense	“The wind lulled as if it feared to waken them.”	A feeling of anticipation or tension created by the uncertain outcome of the characters’ situation, leaving readers eager to know what happens next.
Tone	“He returned to his pocket the handkerchief with which he had been whipping away the red dust of Poker Flat from his neat boots.”	The author’s attitude or perspective toward the subject matter, here conveying Mr. Oakhurst’s fastidiousness and detachment from his surroundings.
Juxtaposition	“As the embers slowly blackened, the Duchess crept closer to Piney.”	Placing two contrasting elements or ideas side by side, here highlighting the intimacy and closeness between the characters amidst the fading fire.
Foil	“The Duchess, more cheerful than she had been, assumed the care of Piney.”	A character who contrasts with another character, often highlighting certain traits or qualities through comparison, as the Duchess contrasts with Mother Shipton.
Paradox	“All human stain, all trace of earthly travail, was hidden beneath the spotless mantle mercifully flung from above.”	A statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may reveal a deeper truth, here suggesting that death has brought purity and peace to the characters.
Anaphora	“Neither spoke; but Piney, accepting the position of the stronger, drew near and placed her arm around the Duchess’s waist.”	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, here emphasizing the silence followed by Piney’s action.
Climax	“And pulseless and cold, with a Derringer by his side and a bullet in his heart, though still calm as in life, beneath the snow lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat.”	The turning point or most intense moment in the narrative, where the fate of a character is revealed in a significant and dramatic manner.

Characterization in “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Major Characters:

• Mr. Oakhurst: A professional gambler known for his coolness and composure under pressure. ([Impassiveness and presence of mind] described by the narrator). Despite his profession, which is often looked down upon in the Old West, he possesses a strong moral compass. This is evident in his initial refusal to join the hanging and his later sacrifice for Piney. He exhibits surprising compassion throughout the ordeal, ([Refuses to drink as it hinders his calmness] hinting at a sense of responsibility), especially towards Piney, ([Kisses the Duchess goodbye, leaving her stunned]). However, he remains somewhat of an enigma. The reasons for his stoicism and his past are left unexplored. Mr. Oakhurst’s complex personality challenges the stereotypical image of a gambler in the Wild West.
• The Innocent (Tom Simson): A young and trusting prospector, easily manipulated by others due to his naivete. ([Remembers returning money he won from Tom], showing a surprising honesty in his profession). He represents innocence and unwavering optimism in the face of adversity. ([Cheerful gaiety infects the others]) His genuine affection for Piney and his willingness to help Mr. Oakhurst highlight his inherent goodness. Tom’s character serves as a foil to the more jaded characters like Uncle Billy and Mother Shipton.
• Piney Woods: A young woman with a sweet and simple nature. She is vulnerable and dependent on others due to her age and inexperience ([The frail Duchess and the malevolent Mother Shipton were probably too stunned to remark upon this last evidence of simplicity]). However, she also possesses inner strength ([Piney, a stout, comely damsel of fifteen]) and compassion, as seen in her willingness to help the Duchess. Piney’s presence emphasizes the harsh realities of the frontier, where women often have limited options.
• The Duchess: A former dance hall performer with a hardened exterior, likely due to the profession and the judgmental society she lives in ([Thet used to wait on the table at the Temperance House]). Despite her past, she shows moments of tenderness and maternal instinct, especially towards Piney ([The Duchess turned away sharply to conceal something that reddened her cheeks through its professional tint, and Mother Shipton requested Piney not to “chatter”]). The story hints at a hidden vulnerability beneath her facade ([Her cheeks flushed through its professional tint]). The Duchess challenges societal stereotypes about women in the West.
• Mother Shipton: A cynical and bitter woman, initially portrayed as the strongest of the outcasts due to her world-weariness. ([Mother Shipton eyed the possessor of “Five Spot” with malevolence]). However, she eventually succumbs to the harsh conditions, both physically and emotionally ([Seemed to sicken and fade]). Her final act of selflessness in giving her rations to Piney suggests a flicker of humanity beneath her gruff exterior. Mother Shipton represents the toll that a harsh life can take on even the strongest individuals.

Minor Characters:

• Uncle Billy: A drunken gambler and thief who exemplifies the ruthlessness of the frontier. ([Suspected sluice-robber and confirmed drunkard]). His actions, like stealing the mules and provisions, highlight the desperation and moral ambiguity that can exist in such an unforgiving environment. Uncle Billy serves as a negative contrast to Mr. Oakhurst, another gambler who displays a surprising moral compass.
• The Committee of Poker Flat: A group of vigilantes who take justice into their own hands, banishing those they deem unfit from their town ([A secret committee had determined to rid the town of all improper persons]). Their actions raise questions about mob justice, prejudice, and the nature of true law.

Characterization and Theme:

The development of the characters is intricately woven into the story’s themes. As the outcasts face hardship and isolation, their true colors emerge. Mr. Oakhurst, initially perceived as an outsider and morally suspect, shows surprising humanity. The Duchess, hardened by experience, reveals a maternal side. The story questions the concept of “good” and “bad” in a morally ambiguous setting. Even the outcasts of Poker Flat, deemed unfit by society, possess unexpected depths of compassion and resilience.

Major Themes in “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

1. Societal Judgment and Exclusion: Bret Harte’s “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” delves into the consequences of societal condemnation and exclusion, as characters deemed morally questionable face expulsion from the town. For instance, Mr. Oakhurst is banished due to his gambling habits, reflecting the town’s rigid moral standards. This societal judgment ultimately leads to tragic outcomes for the outcasts, highlighting the destructive nature of prejudice and collective punishment.
2. Complexities of Morality: The narrative explores the intricate nature of morality, as characters grapple with ethical dilemmas and confront their own flaws and virtues. Despite being labeled as “improper” by Poker Flat, characters like Mr. Oakhurst display acts of kindness and sacrifice that challenge conventional notions of virtue.
3. Resilience of the Human Spirit: Amidst adversity, the characters demonstrate remarkable resilience and dignity, defying societal expectations. Piney and the Duchess, despite their dire circumstances, find solace in their companionship and exhibit compassion towards each other, showcasing the strength of human connection even in the bleakest of situations.
4. Redemptive Power of Compassion: “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” underscores the transformative potential of compassion, as acts of kindness and empathy offer redemption and hope amidst judgment and exile. Piney and the Duchess’s bond serves as a testament to the enduring strength of human connection, suggesting that compassion has the power to heal even the most marginalized individuals.

Writing Style in “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

• Sardonic Humor:
• Harte employs a dry, ironic wit that permeates the narrative. He uses it to highlight the absurdity of the situation and the characters’ flaws. Here are some examples:
• Description of the committee: “A spasm of virtuous reaction, quite as lawless and ungovernable as any of the acts that had provoked it.” This sentence uses humor to expose the hypocrisy of the vigilantes who banish the outcasts.
• Mr. Oakhurst’s response to his sentence: “He received his sentence with philosophic calmness, none the less coolly that he was aware of the hesitation of his judges.” This line highlights the gambler’s composure while simultaneously hinting at the underlying threat posed by the vigilantes.
• Naming the outcasts: The characters’ nicknames, like “The Duchess” and “Mother Shipton,” are humorous yet hold a touch of mockery towards their past professions.
• Vivid Imagery:
• Harte paints a clear picture of the harsh environment and the characters’ struggles through evocative descriptions.
• Setting the scene: “A wooded amphitheater, surrounded on three sides by precipitous cliffs of naked granite, sloped gently toward the crest of another precipice that overlooked the valley.” This description not only sets the stage but also foreshadows the characters’ entrapment.
• The snowstorm: “The storm abated, the rolling clouds parted, and the stars glittered keenly above the sleeping camp.” This creates a stark contrast between the harshness of the snow and the peaceful night sky.
• The final scene: “But all human stain, all trace of earthly travail, was hidden beneath the spotless mantle mercifully flung from above.” This poetic description uses the snowfall to symbolize a sense of peace and finality.
• Understated Sentiment:
• While humor and vivid imagery are prominent, Harte also uses subtlety to convey emotional depth.
• Mr. Oakhurst’s sacrifice: His decision to stay behind with the dwindling food supplies speaks volumes about his unexpected compassion, but it’s presented without excessive sentimentality.
• The bond between Piney and the Duchess: Their silent embrace after Mother Shipton’s death speaks volumes about their newfound connection, but it’s described simply.
• The ending: The discovery of the outcasts and the playing card pinned to the tree is a powerful image that evokes a sense of both tragedy and respect, but it’s presented with restraint.

Impact of the Style:

Harte’s unique blend of wit, imagery, and understated sentiment creates a compelling narrative that both entertains and makes us think. The humor allows him to explore serious themes like justice, prejudice, and human resilience in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The vivid imagery transports us to the harsh realities of the Wild West, while the understated sentiment allows us to connect with the characters’ emotional journeys.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from the Story
Historical Context	The story reflects the social and political climate of the California Gold Rush era, exploring themes of morality, justice, and redemption in a lawless frontier town.	The characters’ backstories and motivations are shaped by their experiences during the Gold Rush.
Realism	The story portrays a gritty, unromanticized view of life in a frontier town, emphasizing the harsh realities and moral ambiguities of the characters’ situations.	The character of John Oakhurst, a gambler and outcast, is a symbol of the harsh realities of frontier life.
Symbolism	The story uses characters, settings, and objects as symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes, such as the contrast between nature and society.	The snowstorm that traps the characters represents the harsh, unforgiving nature of the frontier, while the cabin represents the fragile, impermanent nature of human society.
Psychoanalytic	The characters’ actions and motivations are driven by unconscious desires, repressed emotions, and psychological complexes, such as guilt, shame, and redemption.	The character of Mother Shipton’s past and her relationship with Oakhurst are shaped by unconscious desires and repressed emotions.
Feminist	The story critiques the patriarchal society of the frontier era, highlighting the limited options and agency of women, as well as the gender roles and power dynamics that restrict their lives.	The character of Piney Woods, a young woman who disguises herself as a boy, challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the limited options available to women.
Marxist	The story explores the economic and class struggles of the frontier era, highlighting the exploitation and oppression of the working class by the wealthy elite.	The character of John Oakhurst, a gambler and outcast, represents the marginalized and exploited working class.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Morality and Redemption	How does the story explore the theme of morality and redemption in the characters of John Oakhurst and Mother Shipton?	“Through the characters of John Oakhurst and Mother Shipton, Bret Harte’s ‘The Outcasts of Poker Flat’ explores the theme of morality and redemption, highlighting the possibility of personal transformation and forgiveness in a harsh and unforgiving frontier society.”
Gender Roles and Identity	How does the story challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations through the characters of Piney Woods and Mother Shipton?	“In ‘The Outcasts of Poker Flat’, Bret Harte subverts traditional gender roles and expectations through the characters of Piney Woods and Mother Shipton, highlighting the limitations and constraints placed on women in a patriarchal frontier society.”
Social Class and Exploitation	How does the story critique the social and economic structures of the frontier era, particularly in regards to the exploitation of the working class?	“Through the character of John Oakhurst and the setting of Poker Flat, Bret Harte’s story critiques the social and economic structures of the frontier era, exposing the exploitation and oppression of the working class by the wealthy elite.”
Nature and the Frontier	How does the story use the natural environment to reflect the characters’ emotional and psychological states, as well as the harsh realities of frontier life?	“In ‘The Outcasts of Poker Flat’, Bret Harte uses the natural environment to symbolize the characters’ emotional and psychological states, as well as the harsh realities of frontier life, highlighting the contrast between the beauty and brutality of nature.”

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

• Why is John Oakhurst banished from Poker Flat?
  John Oakhurst, a gambler, is banished from Poker Flat because the town is experiencing a “spasm of virtuous reaction” and is trying to rid itself of all “improper persons.” The secret committee that governs the town is after Oakhurst because he won money from some of its members, and they want to take their money back from him.
• What happens to the outcasts on their journey to Sandy Bar?
  The outcasts – John Oakhurst, Uncle Billy, the Duchess, and Mother Shipton – are forced to stop on their journey to Sandy Bar because the Duchess is tired. They meet Tom Simson and Piney Woods, who are traveling to Poker Flat, and decide to camp together for the night. However, Uncle Billy steals their provisions and horses, leaving them stranded in the snow.
• How do the outcasts die?
  The outcasts die due to the harsh conditions and lack of provisions. Mother Shipton starves herself to save food for Piney, while Oakhurst builds snowshoes for Tom to go for help. Oakhurst then shoots himself so that the others can survive. The Duchess and Piney are found frozen to death, with the Duchess’s head on Piney’s lap.
• What is the theme of the story?
  The theme of the story is that there is good in the worst of people, and that even the outcasts of society can show compassion, generosity, and honor. The story also highlights the harsh realities of life in the Old West and the dangers of vigilantism and mob mentality.

Literary Works Similar to “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

1. “The Luck of Roaring Camp” by Bret Harte: Another classic by Harte, this story explores the lives of outcasts in a California mining camp and delves into themes of redemption, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit.
2. “To Build a Fire” by Jack London: This gripping tale follows a man’s struggle for survival in the harsh Yukon wilderness, highlighting themes of isolation, human folly, and the power of nature.
3. “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane: Crane’s story follows four men adrift at sea in a small boat, grappling with the indifferent forces of nature and their own mortality. It explores themes of existentialism, camaraderie, and the human condition.
4. “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce: Bierce’s haunting tale revolves around a Confederate sympathizer facing execution during the Civil War. Through its exploration of time, perception, and the illusory nature of reality, the story offers a thought-provoking examination of the human psyche.
5. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This seminal work of feminist literature depicts a woman’s descent into madness as she grapples with confinement and patriarchal oppression. Through its exploration of gender roles, mental health, and autonomy, the story remains a powerful and relevant critique of societal norms.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Books:

• Bell, Michael Davitt. American Realism and the Frontier: Discourses in Form. Univ. of Chicago Press, 1980.
• Branch, Michael P. Before the West Was West: Critical Essays on Pre-1800 Literature of the American Frontiers. U of Nebraska Press, 2014.
• Harte, Bret. The Outcasts of Poker Flat. Vol. 40. Dramatic Publishing, 1902.

Articles:

• Kolb, Harold H. “The Outcast of Literary Flat: Bret Harte as Humorist.” American literary realism, 1870-1910 23.2 (1991): 52-63.
• Scharnhorst, Gary. “Bret Harte and the Literary Construction of the American West.” A Companion to the Regional Literatures of America (2003): 479-495.
• Glover, Donald E. “A Reconsideration of Bret Harte’s Later Work.” Western American Literature 8.3 (1973): 143-151.

Web Link:

• The American Studies Association. https://www.theasa.net/. Accessed 28 April 2024.

Representative Quotations from “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“As Mr. John Oakhurst, gambler, stepped into the main street of Poker Flat on the morning of the twenty-third of November, 1850, he was conscious of a change in its moral atmosphere since the preceding night.”	This opening line sets the tone for the story, introducing the protagonist, Mr. Oakhurst, and the setting of Poker Flat. It foreshadows the moral judgment and societal changes that will affect the characters throughout the narrative.	This quotation highlights the theme of societal morality and its impact on individual characters, as well as the contrast between appearance and reality in a community’s judgment of its members.
“Mr. Oakhurst was right in supposing that he was included in this category. A few of the committee had urged hanging him as a possible example, and a sure method of reimbursing themselves from his pockets of the sums he had won from them.”	Here, the narrator reveals Mr. Oakhurst’s status as an outcast targeted by Poker Flat’s secret committee. Despite his calm acceptance of his fate, the injustice of the committee’s decision is evident.	This quotation illustrates the theme of justice versus injustice, highlighting the arbitrary nature of societal judgment and the persecution of individuals based on superficial criteria. It also explores the moral ambiguity surrounding the character of Mr. Oakhurst and challenges the reader to consider the ethics of his exile.
“Night came, but not Mr. Oakhurst. It brought the storm again and the whirling snow. Then the Duchess, feeding the fire, found that someone had quietly piled beside the hut enough fuel to last a few days longer.”	This passage occurs after Mr. Oakhurst decides to sacrifice himself for the survival of Piney and the Duchess. Despite his absence, his final act of kindness and selflessness is revealed through the provision of additional fuel.	This quotation exemplifies the theme of sacrifice and redemption, showcasing Mr. Oakhurst’s transformation from a morally ambiguous gambler to a compassionate and honorable figure. It also underscores the idea of redemption through selfless acts, even in the face of inevitable demise.
“But at the head of the gulch, on one of the largest pine trees, they found the deuce of clubs pinned to the bark with a bowie knife.”	The story concludes with this grim yet poignant scene, marking the death of Mr. Oakhurst. The presence of the deuce of clubs serves as a symbolic reminder of his gambling profession and the “bad luck” that ultimately led to his demise.	This quotation encapsulates the theme of fate and inevitability, suggesting that Mr. Oakhurst’s downfall was predetermined by his profession and the circumstances of Poker Flat. It also highlights the theme of mortality and the acceptance of one’s fate, as Mr. Oakhurst faces his end with calm resignation.