Name ___________________
English III Block ___
Date____________
“The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte
Reading Guide
Select one person from your group. Read aloud pages 698-700. Then answer the questions below.
1. Why is the town of Poker Flat banishing several members of their town?
2. Name the four persons being banished and the reason each is banished.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Have a different person read aloud pages 701-703. Then answer the questions below.
3. How did the young man know Mr. Oakhurst?
4. Tom Simson “The Innocent” and Piney Woods met the group outside Poker Flat. These two
young people were headed to Poker Flat to _______________________________.
5. When Mr. Oakhurst wakes up early the next morning, what two things does he discover?
a.
b
Have a different person read aloud pages 704-706 stop at “swift-footed Achilles”. Then answer the
questions below.
6. A) What effect did Tom and Piney’s presence have on the outcasts?
B) Identify one activity the group did to pass the time.
Have someone (if you haven’t read yet, it’s your turn) read aloud pages 706 start at “So with small
food” -708. Then answer the questions below.
7. Oakhurst says the provisions (food) would last about ten days. They are still snowed in on the
tenth day. On the tenth day in camp, what happens to Mother Shipton? (Be specific.)
Why/how?
8. What does Mr. Oakhurst ask Tom to do?
Name ___________________
English III Block ___
Date____________
“The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte
Reading Guide
9. What happens to… (be specific)
a. Piney and Duchess?
b.
Mr. Oakhurst?
10. The story ends by saying Oakhurst was “the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of
Poker Flat.” What does this mean? Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement.
11. Choose one of the following outcasts, Mr. Oakhurst, “Mother Shipton”, or “The Duchess” and
explain how this outcast redeemed him/herself and/or showed positive traits during the last ten
plus days.
12. How is this selection an example of Regionalism?
After Reading:
Consider the following scenario: You are on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean. It hits an iceberg in the middle of the
night and sinks immediately. You and some other people find yourselves treading water when along floats a
small boat. It’s only meant for two people, but it’s physically possible to fit four – but no more. Who from your
group should go into the boat? Discuss this with your group and circle the four people you would choose.
You
Creepy woman, 85
Used car salesman, 48
Homeless man who picks pockets (thief)
Woman, 22 (just married to 23 year old man)
Man, 23 (just married to the 22 year old woman)
Rich and spoiled young woman, 17
What are your reasons for not allowing the remaining three people on the boat?