The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a short story by Bret Harte. It was first published in January 1869 and has since become one of the most well-known literary works of the American West. The plot revolves around a group of outcasts who are banished from their town and end up stranded in a remote area together.
The story is set in the mid-1800s in the town of Poker Flat, California. The town is described as being full of rough characters – gamblers, prostitutes, and other unsavory types. In an attempt to clean up the town, a secret committee decides to banish some of its less desirable citizens for six months.
The group that is banished consists of four people: John Oakhurst, a professional gambler; Duchess, a prostitute; Mother Shipton, an old woman; and Piney Woods, a young girl who is engaged to be married. They are given enough supplies to last them for ten days and told to leave town immediately.
The group sets out on horseback towards their destination – Sandy Bar – but they are caught in a snowstorm and end up taking shelter in an abandoned cabin. As they wait out the storm, they begin to bond with one another despite their different backgrounds.
Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when Oakhurst discovers that their supplies have been stolen by one of their own – Uncle Billy. Knowing that they will not survive without food and shelter, Oakhurst decides to leave the cabin and try to find help.
He leaves behind a note explaining what has happened and instructing the others to wait for him. However, when he does not return after several days, the group begins to worry. Eventually, they run out of food and firewood and are forced to venture out into the cold in search of help.
As they make their way through the snow-covered wilderness, Duchess becomes separated from the group and is found frozen to death the next morning. Mother Shipton also dies soon after, leaving only Piney and Tom Simson – a young man they had met along the way – alive.
In the end, Piney and Tom are rescued by a search party, but the fate of John Oakhurst remains unknown. It is suggested that he may have committed suicide by taking his own life, unable to face the shame of having failed to save his companions.
Overall, The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a story about survival and the human spirit. Despite their differences and difficult circumstances, the characters are able to find common ground and form a bond that helps them through their ordeal. However, ultimately their fate is determined by forces beyond their control – namely, the harsh winter weather that surrounds them.
In conclusion, The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its engaging plot and well-drawn characters. Whether you are a fan of Western literature or simply enjoy good storytelling, this short story is definitely worth your time.
