What Is the Main Conflict in the Outcast of Poker Flat?

The Outcast of Poker Flat is a classic story by American author Bret Harte. The story is set in a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills during the 1850s. The main conflict in the story is between the main character, John Oakhurst, and the townspeople. Oakhurst is an outcast because he is a professional gambler. The townspeople are judgmental and prejudiced against him. They ostracize him and try to drive him out of town. Oakhurst is a loner who does not care about the opinion of others. He is content to live outside of society.

PRO TIP:The main conflict in The Outcast of Poker Flat is the struggle between individual freedom and oppressive social conventions. This central conflict is highlighted through the characters’ different responses to the banishment of certain members of Poker Flat, with some characters demonstrating a desire to challenge the banishment while others attempt to abide by it.

However, when the townspeople force him to leave, he realizes that he does not want to be alone. He decides to go back to Poker Flat to help two young lovers, Tom Simpson and Duchess, who have run away from the town. He knows that the townspeople will eventually catch up to them and kill them. He risks his own life to save theirs. In the end, Oakhurst uses his gambling skills to win a large sum of money, which he uses to buy Tom and Duchess’ freedom. The townspeople are forced to respect him and they allow him to stay in Poker Flat.