Bret Harte born in the mid 1830s in Albany, New York. Harte claimed to be a genius, reading Shakespeare at the tender age of only six. Although he was born in New York, he moved in 1854 to the west. This is where his novels were inspired, and he spend most of his life writing of it. He had many jobs throughout his life: a school teacher, riding shotgun on a Wells Fargo Stagecoach, and writing for several newspapers. Overall I believe his experiences shaped his writing and helped him to write some of his best work. The time he spent in the west probably helped him develop many of his characters, and stereotypes. Harte took a job once as a professional writer, and ended up running for his life after he said a little too much about a mobster.
His life seems as if it was very exciting, until he grew older. His stories became stagnant and all the same. He even admitted himself, he was churning out the same old stuff. Most of his stories were similar, but after some time they became old. There was no new development of characters and the stories were all to predictable.
In the novel, "Tennessee's Partner" Berte kept the tradition going. The story is set in the wild west and the characters are all too predictable. At first I have to admit I read the story and made no distinction between Tennessee and Tennessee's partner. They were one and the same until I was about finished with the story and was highly confused about it all. I quickly reread the story with the understanding that these were two different individuals. Tennessee's Partner was a calm and collected man, and I would have to say loyal. Tennessee's partner went out to find a wife, quickly found one and was married. Tennessee also lived with them and one day he ran off with his friends wife! When Tennessee returned alone he was welcomed with open arms from Tennessee's Partner. I honestly do not know anyone who would welcome some one like that back. To me they are opposite. I am guessing that is a normal reaction since everyone was expecting a shooting. They were partners. Partners in crime nonetheless, but partners. I guess that meant more to them than anything else.
Soon it seemed the guilt had built up in Tennessee, but it was a little too late. He had met his match and was now going to be captured. How ironic that the judge himself was the one to catch him. As they stood their with their guns and ammunition, Tennessee realized he was no match and gave in. The court system was unusually fair. They wanted him to give a defense, and gave him every chance to defend himself. Even though they say this, he was thought to be guilty before he even was caught. Which I think is true of many people. Their fate is decided before they have a chance to defend themselves.
Tennessee's partner once again shows his loyalty, when he arrives at the courthouse. There to defend his partner to the end. He stated everything with such confidence, I could see him walking around the courthouse in my head. Taking up for a man that did not deserve it. In his eyes that was his partner. He even attempted to bribe the judge, which put his own life in danger. I was surprised that Tennessee's partner went as far as he did to try and save this mans life.
Tennessee knew his fate. When his eyes met with his partner and they shook hands, his gratitude for at least trying was understood. They were never to meet again both alive. Tennessee was put to death in the morning saying nothing and holding his head high. After his death Tennessee's partner was there ready to take the body of his partner. He seemed so calm and collected as always. I believe out of curiosity many men followed the cart, but slowly dropped off as time went. It reminded me of friends in life, they all slowly drop off but one or two. It reminded me of the dedication Tennessee's partner had for him. Tennessee's partner was bringing Tennessee home for the last time, a thing a best friend would do.
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