# Hiram Scates explained — Spoon River Anthology

> Chapter companion for Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters.

## What happens

Hiram Scates recounts his failed bid for the nomination for president of the County-board, his subsequent betrayal of his idealistic followers by rallying them to support his rival Solomon Purple, and his personal gain as secretary while his followers are left out in the cold.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Scates denounces his rival as an enemy of the people, then switches allegiance for personal gain, leaving his followers betrayed.

### Illusion vs. Reality

Scates is hailed as a savior but ultimately reveals himself as a self-serving politician, shattering the idealists' illusions.

## Character check-ins

### Hiram Scates

Narrator and protagonist who betrays his followers after losing the nomination.

## Key lines

> I tried to win the nomination For president of the County-board And I made speeches all over the County Denouncing Solomon Purple, my rival, As an enemy of the people, In league with the master-foes of man.

Scates campaigned aggressively against Solomon Purple, painting him as a corrupt ally of humanity's greatest enemies.

_Sets up the political rivalry and Scates' initial stance._

> But Solomon won the nomination; And then I faced about, And rallied my followers to his standard, And made him victor, made him King Of the Golden Mountain with the door Which closed on my heels just as I entered, Flattered by Solomon’s invitation, To be the County-board’s secretary.

After losing, Scates switched sides, urged his supporters to back Purple, and secured a secretary position for himself while his followers were shut out.

_Highlights Scates' betrayal and self-interest._

> And out in the cold stood all my followers: Young idealists, broken warriors Hobbling on one crutch of hope⁠— Souls that staked their all on the truth, Losers of worlds at heaven’s bidding, Watching the Devil kick the Millennium Over the Golden Mountain.

His abandoned followers, once hopeful and devoted, are left watching helplessly as corruption triumphs.

_Emphasizes the disillusionment and moral defeat of the idealists._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/spoon_river_anthology_se/chapters/hiram-scates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/spoon_river_anthology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/spoon_river_anthology_se/chapters