Roy Butler by Edgar Lee Masters
The narrative unfolds through the voice of a man reflecting on a personal legal battle that escalated from a trivial dispute over a fence. The protagonist recounts how a jury, composed mainly of local neighbors, quickly found him guilty in a case that stemmed from a minor altercation with Richard Bandle. The conflict is exacerbated by a quarrel between their wives regarding the merits of their respective towns, which adds a layer of absurdity to the situation. The protagonist describes a moment of spiritual awakening, feeling an overwhelming love for God, prompting him to seek reconciliation with Richard. However, his attempt at peace is met with hostility when he is confronted by Richard's wife, who accuses him of inappropriate behavior. This accusation leads to a chaotic scene where Richard, upon entering, threatens him with a gun, forcing the protagonist to flee. Despite the protagonist's insistence on his innocence and the absurdity of the situation, neither the legal system nor his own wife believes his account. The work critiques the nature of justice and the biases inherent in small-town life, highlighting how personal relationships and local dynamics can distort truth and fairness. The protagonist's experience serves as a commentary on the limitations of the judicial system and the often arbitrary nature of guilt and innocence in the eyes of society.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Satire · 239 words
First lines
If the learned Supreme Court of Illinois Got at the secret of every case As well as it does a case of rape It would be the greatest court in the world.
A jury, of neighbors mostly, with "Butch" Weldy As foreman, found me guilty in ten minutes And two ballots on a case like this:
Richard Bandle and I had trouble over a fence, And my wife and Mrs. Bandle quarreled As to whether Ipava was a finer town than Table Grove.
I awoke one morning with the love of God Brimming over my heart, so I went to see Richard To settle the fence in the spirit of Jesus Christ.
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Roy Butler is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1915 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Satire, Drama, Regionalism
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and societal issues, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Satire — The text critiques social and legal systems, using humor and irony to highlight absurdities.
- Drama — The narrative involves conflict and emotional tension, typical of dramatic literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Free Verse · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Midwestern Life · Small Town America · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil