In Bret Harte’s ‘The Outcasts of Poker Flat,’ the author introduces a man named John Oakhurst. Oakhurst is a man who gambles in the towns he visits, which in this era is common, but abhorred by those townspeople trying to create a traditional society more like the East. Harte explains how Oakhurst is a man of fate. Oakhurst believes that “it is what it is,” however, Oakhurst does tend to assess his options in any situation searching for any way to overcome obstacles. Readers learn about how Oakhurst is a “...quiet person, ...an introvert, [a man] who he keeps to himself…” and only speaks when necessary. By keeping to himself and gambling on his own accord, Oakhurst is labeled as the Individual archetype. Individualism is a pursuit of self, and not being part of a collective effort. When a person is individualistic they do what is best for themselves. Oakhurst appears individualistic because he travels alone, gambles for his own money, and does not try to be friendly with people. Oakhurst is a man who keeps to himself, introverted. He does not share his thoughts or feeling with others. Oakhurst is quite the gambler. In the towns where he goes he gambles with anyone and wins. Some people do not like gambling with him because he always wins. He is creating …show more content…
He would be traveling with three other people who were being removed from Poker Flat for actions that were untraditional to others. When this group first leaves the town of Poker Flat Oakhurst remains silent as usual. “The philosophic Oakhurst alone remained silent.” While being his silent self he hears the Duchess complaining about her donkey and how uncomfortable it is. So contrary to the archetype of the individual, he offers his more comfortable horse to the Duchess. “...he insisted upon exchanging his own riding-horse, “Five Spot,” for the sorry mule which the Duchess