In Bret Harte's Story About Tennessee's Partner Tennessee
Bret Harte was an American author and poet who was known for his stories about the American West. One of his most famous stories is "Tennessee's Partner," which was published in 1869. The story is set in a mining camp in California during the Gold Rush and follows the relationship between two unlikely friends, Tennessee and his partner.
The Plot of Tennessee's Partner
The story begins with the introduction of Tennessee, a gambler and a thief, who is known for his quick wit and charm. He is well-liked by everyone in the mining camp, including the narrator of the story. Tennessee's only friend is his partner, a man who is never named in the story.
One day, Tennessee is caught stealing and sentenced to be hanged. His partner is the only person who stands by him, and together they come up with a plan to escape. They manage to make it out of the camp, but Tennessee is badly injured in the process.
Despite his injuries, Tennessee and his partner continue on their journey, with Tennessee's partner taking care of him along the way. They eventually make it to a small town, where they are able to get Tennessee the medical attention he needs.
While Tennessee is recovering, his partner tries to make some money by playing cards. He ends up getting into a fight with another gambler and is killed. Tennessee is heartbroken by the loss of his partner and decides to stay in the town, where he becomes a respected member of the community.
The Themes of Tennessee's Partner
One of the main themes of Tennessee's Partner is the idea of loyalty and friendship. Despite Tennessee's criminal past and his reputation as a gambler and a thief, his partner remains loyal to him until the very end. Even when it seems like everyone else has turned against Tennessee, his partner is the only person who stands by him.
Another theme of the story is the idea of redemption. Tennessee is not a perfect character, but he is given a chance to redeem himself through his actions. He is willing to put himself at risk to help his partner escape, and he is able to find a new life for himself in the town where his partner is buried.
The Significance of Tennessee's Partner
Tennessee's Partner is a significant story in American literature because it captures the spirit of the American West during the Gold Rush. The story is full of colorful characters and vivid descriptions of life in a mining camp. It also explores themes that were important to Americans at the time, such as loyalty, redemption, and the idea of the "frontier."
Today, Tennessee's Partner is still widely read and studied in American literature courses. It has been adapted into a number of different forms, including a play and a radio drama. The story's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and its ability to capture the spirit of the American West.
Conclusion
Bret Harte's story about Tennessee's Partner is a classic example of American literature. It tells the story of two unlikely friends who are able to find loyalty, redemption, and ultimately, a sense of belonging. The story remains popular today because it captures the spirit of the American West and explores themes that are still relevant to readers today.