The townspeople.
in The Outcasts of Poker Flat by Bret Harte, at the opening of the story, what has the secret committee of Poker Flat decide?
In Bret Harte's short story "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," the motto adopted by the town of Poker Flat is "the best people." This phrase reflects the town's attempt to uphold moral standards by expelling individuals deemed immoral or undesirable. The story explores the complexities of morality and human nature through the experiences of the outcasts who are forced to leave.
Uncle Billy is the character who does not drink alcohol in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat." This is because Uncle Billy steals the group's provisions and whiskey while they are sleeping, leading to their demise in the wilderness.
In "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," predictions about the unfolding events can be made by analyzing character traits and the setting. The story features a group of outcasts, each with distinct backgrounds and moral complexities, which foreshadows potential conflicts and alliances. The harsh environment of Poker Flat also sets the stage for survival challenges that will test the characters' true natures. By observing these elements, readers can anticipate how personal motivations and external pressures may drive the plot forward.
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.
Some stock characters in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte include the Gambler, the Drunkard, the Prostitute, and the Innocent. These characters represent common archetypes found in Western literature and media. Each character embodies specific traits and behaviors that contribute to the overall themes and conflicts within the story.
Uncle Billy from "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" can be best described by the motto "Every man for himself." His self-serving nature and disregard for the well-being of others exemplify a survivalist mentality. Throughout the story, he prioritizes his own needs and desires over camaraderie, ultimately abandoning the group when it suits him. This reflects a broader theme of individualism in the face of adversity.
At first, the group in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" react with resignation and a sense of helplessness to their situation of being expelled from Poker Flat. They are initially despondent and resigned to their fate, but as the story progresses, they begin to show resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
"The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte is primarily considered a short story in the Western genre, often blending elements of realism and local color. It explores themes of morality, redemption, and societal judgment through the lens of a group of marginalized characters in a frontier town. The narrative highlights the complexities of human nature and the struggles of outcasts against societal norms.
In Bret Harte's "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," the moral beliefs of the characters are complex and often challenge societal norms. The outcasts, including a gambler, a prostitute, and a thief, embody qualities such as loyalty, sacrifice, and compassion that contrast with the rigid moralism of the town's elite. As they face adversity in the wilderness, their actions reveal a deeper humanity, suggesting that true morality is not defined by social status but by one's choices in times of crisis. Ultimately, the story critiques the hypocrisy of the so-called "moral" community while highlighting the redemptive qualities of those deemed outcasts.
Some believe that Poker Flat was a small settlement, which is now encompassed by the town of Copperopolis, in California. There are still building remnants dating to Bret Harte's time, that can be found on a parcel of land next to Lake Tulloch - aptly named "Poker Flat". Copperopolis is located approximately half way between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, in the Sierra foothills.
Harte describes the gloomy walls and ominously clouded sky in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" to reflect the somber mood and moral decay of the town. These atmospheric elements serve as a backdrop for the story's themes of isolation, judgment, and redemption, emphasizing the harshness of the characters' circumstances. The oppressive environment mirrors the internal struggles of the outcasts themselves, highlighting their societal rejection and the weight of their pasts. This vivid imagery sets the tone for the unfolding narrative and the characters' journeys.