Mr. Oakhurst is portrayed as a stoic and pragmatic character in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat." Despite being exiled by the town, he maintains a sense of dignity and calmness, demonstrating his resilience and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances. His actions show a level of compassion and leadership, as he takes on the role of guiding the other outcasts, suggesting a moral complexity beneath his gambler's exterior. Ultimately, his character embodies the themes of survival and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Mr. John Oakhurst, the "Duchess", "Mother Shipton", "Uncle Billy", Tom Simson, and Piney Woods
Mr. John Oakhurst, the "Duchess", "Mother Shipton", "Uncle Billy", Tom Simson, and Piney Woods
The protagonist in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte is John Oakhurst, a professional gambler who is exiled from the town of Poker Flat. He embodies a complex mix of honor and despair, demonstrating a sense of morality despite his outsider status. As he interacts with other outcasts—a group of individuals marginalized by society—his character reveals themes of fate, friendship, and the struggle for survival in the harsh wilderness. Oakhurst's tragic end underscores the story's exploration of societal values and human resilience.
The problem in the Outcasts of Poker Flats is that residents of Poker Flat decided to kick out a group of undesirables who were: John Oakhurst, the Duchess, Mother Shipton, and Uncle Billy because they hoped to improve their town. The outcasts went on a journey to Sandy Bar, but the trail was very hard to pass and it was snowing and very cold. With very little food they starved and Oakhurst killed himself.
In the story of The Outcasts of Poker Flats, the townspeople are getting rid of the "undesirable elements". Oakhurst and the others are considered part of this group.
They did not hang Oakhurst because those fortunate enough to win from him overruled the ones trying to hang him with a vote.
Bret Harte
Mr. Oakhurst feels oppressed by his gambling habit because it leads him to be ostracized from the community and contributes to his sense of isolation. He also struggles with his habit because it affects his relationships with others and perpetuates negative stereotypes associated with his character. Ultimately, his habit becomes a source of shame and regret for Mr. Oakhurst.
Mr. John Oakhurst, the "Duchess", "Mother Shipton", "Uncle Billy", Tom Simson, and Piney Woods
John Oakhurst wrote his epitaph on the two of clubs to express his ironic humor and defiance of fate. He saw it as a way to demonstrate his acceptance of his actions and fate. It also acted as a symbol of his understanding of the randomness of life and luck.
Read the book
The Outcasts of Poker Flat was written by American author Bret Harte. It was first published in 1869.