What is ironic about the title of The Outcasts of Poker Flat?
Therefore the central irony that underlies “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” is that the outcast’s behavior and kindness toward each other proves that they have qualities of mind and heart that society honors–even if their professions are on the less respectable side–while the morally guiding secret committee of Poker …
What is the main message of The Outcasts of Poker Flat?
Bret Harte finalizes the confirmation his main message, which is that humanity runs deeper than external appearances and can’t be judged by lip-service and propriety, when Oakhurst selflessly offers himself as a sacrifice in the hope that the women might live.
Why is Oakhurst the weakest and the strongest of the outcasts?
In what sense is the “the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat”? Oakhurst- he is strong and generous and cares for others. He is weak in his moral code. Professional gambler who is forced out of the town of Poker Flat as an undesirable because he wins so much money from the townspeople.
Why does Oakhurst leave the camp with Tom?
John Oakhurst, the Duchess, and Mother Shipton sympathize with Tom “The Innocent” and his young wife, Piney, and do not want to frighten them. The outcasts fear that revealing their identities and crimes will cause the newlyweds to panic and attempt to leave the camp immediately.
Is The Outcasts of Poker Flat realism or naturalism?
Naturalism is represented in this story by the real life like situations of certain characters. For example; John Oakhurst was a gambler who would destroy all opponents at a game of cards. He would also win their money and for that reason alone he was not liked.
What plot development occurs because Uncle Billy steals the mules?
What important plot development is brought on by Uncle Billy’s stealing of the mules? It strands the rest of the travelers. What is the main message of “The Outcasts of Poker Flat”? Punishment without justice is as bad as the crime.
What role does sacrifice play in Poker Flat?
Mother Shipton’s act of sacrifice causes the group to feel her death strongly and alters how the other characters in the story view her. The Duchess experiences a similar journey through caring for Piney. However, it is not through self-sacrifice that the Duchess is redeemed.
Who is the innocent in The Outcasts of Poker Flat?
Nicknamed “The Innocent,” Tom is Piney’s fiancé and an acquaintance of Oakhurst’s. He is a young man from the next town over—Sandy Bar, where the outcasts are headed—and is making the journey to Poker Flat to elope with Piney and begin a new life.
What happened to Oakhurst?
John Oakhurst is found that way underneath a playing card attached to a tree. Oakhurst had chosen to take his own life, 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.
Who is the strongest member of the outcasts?
Oakhurst is the strongest of the group due to his calm, measured, and philosophical attitude. He is the only one of the four who does not get extremely emotional at their departure. Additionally, unlike the others, he does not drink.
Why is Poker Flat after Mr Oakhurst?
Mr. Oakhurst is banished from Poker Flat because he is a successful gambler, who has won significant amounts of money from the community members on more than one occasion. The Dutchess and Mother Shipton are promiscuous women, who are both exiled from Poker Flat because they are well-known prostitutes.
What did Uncle Billy do while everyone else was sleeping?
Uncle Billy stole meals with all their provisions and mules except what was in cabin. They play games and tell stories (entertain each other to get through day). What happens to Mother Shipton?
Which is the best definition of the word irony?
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition, don’t worry—it is. Irony is a broad term that encompasses three different types of irony, each with their own specific definition: verbal irony , dramatic irony, and situational irony.
Which is the best dictionary definition of outcasting?
Outcasting synonyms, Outcasting pronunciation, Outcasting translation, English dictionary definition of Outcasting. n. 1. That which is cast out. Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G. & C. Merriam Co Outcasting – definition of Outcasting by The Free Dictionary https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Outcasting Printer Friendly
Which is an example of an ironic understatement?
As you might expect, an ironic understatement creates contrast by undermining the impact of something, though the thing itself will be rather substantial or severe. Example: In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield casually says, “I have to have this operation.
Which is an example of a situational irony?
When the truth contradicts an expected outcome, it’s situational irony — also known as “the irony of events.” Situational irony is closely related to the idea of cosmic irony, where the universe seemingly contrives an event for its own amusement. For example, when the “unsinkable” HMS Titanic met an untimely end on its maiden voyage.