Poetry · Chapter
Indicted explained
The narrator addresses Bruner, criticizing his moral and legal transgressions, comparing his difficult path to biblical and literary references, and warning him of impending imprisonment.
What happens
The narrator addresses Bruner, criticizing his moral and legal transgressions, comparing his difficult path to biblical and literary references, and warning him of impending imprisonment.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The chapter criticizes Bruner's moral walk and law-protected game of taking another's dollar, highlighting corruption.
Justice and Revenge
The warning of prison and the turnkey suggests impending justice or revenge for Bruner's actions.
Characters to notice
- Great Gorham
Quoted as having said of Pixley that the prison yawns before him and the turnkey stalks behind.
- Pixley Pasha
Referenced in a quote by George Gorham about facing prison.
Key passages
“Dear Bruner, once we had a little talk (That is to say, ’twas I did all the talking) About the manner of your moral walk: How devious the trail you made in stalking, On level ground, your law-protected game— “Another’s Dollar” is, I think, its name.”
The narrator recalls a one-sided conversation with Bruner about his unethical behavior, specifically his legal but morally questionable pursuit of others' money.
Establishes the theme of corruption and the narrator's accusatory tone.
“As once George Gorham said of Pixley, so I say of you: “The prison yawns before you, The turnkey stalks behind!””
The narrator applies a quote originally about Pixley to Bruner, warning that imprisonment is imminent.
Connects Bruner's fate to a known figure's past warning, emphasizing the threat of justice.