The short story, "The Outcasts of Poker Flat," was written by the well known writer Bret Harte. It is a story about a group of people living in a small town out west who are considered "improper" to live in the town for unjust reasons. As a result of this, a group of vigilantes force exile on the former citizens which eventually leads to their doom out in the harsh conditions. The three literary elements that were found to be most important in this story were the characterization, the setting, and the mood.
             Harte uses a setting in the western area of California in the United States back during 1850. This time was known as the California gold rush. It was the age of boom towns (towns that popped up over night), vigilantes, and the Old West. "The spot was singularly wild and impressive," (Harte 317). Harte describes the setting as if it has an attitude. "It was undoubtedly the most suitable spot for a camp, had camping been advisable," (Harte 317). It was as if Harte was attempting to mix the mood and setting together to create a sense of emotion so the reader could be in touch and relate to the character.
             Harte uses a unique way to characterize Mr. Oakhurst. It begins with direct characterization as we learn that he is an avid gambler. "As Mr. John Oakhurst, gambler, stepped into the main street of Poker Flat," (Harte 316). However, Harte slowly begins to show a lighter side of Mr. Oakhurst through dynamic characterization making him no longer a flat character but a round character. It is showed through his act of returning Tom Simson's money to him after he lost it all to Mr. Oakhurst. "The cheerful gaiety of the young man and Mr. Oakhurst's calm infected the others," (Harte 320).
             The mood of the story is a critical literary element. In the beginning of the story, Harte expressed the mood as being ominous. "He was conscious of a change in its moral atmo...