Ten Nights in a Bar and the Observer(s) T.S.

Arthur beckons the reader to engage in an on-going conversation as to the utility of a tavern in his prophetic work, Ten Nights in a Bar-Room, and What I Saw There. There are several working elements within Arthurs novel that not only pull at the emotions of the heart, but expose the reader to the bleak consequence of un-tempered morality. Sentimentalism is rampant, and at times used exhaustingly throughout the first three chapters. Arthur inserted his version of sentimentalism, to be used as a type of proselytizing technique of literary idiosyncratic sympathy as a means to catalyze the readers thoughts towards social reform, and accept his sharp position of opposition towards all aspects of alcohol consumption. The omniscient Arthur and his audience are fused together as observers at the Sickle and Sheaf and its colorful patrons. The immediate focus is centered upon the family of Simon Slade and the negative influences the tavern exerts on his family and the townspeople of Cedarville. Within this narrative, there are systems at work in terms to the aforementioned Two Spheres, and domesticity discussed in lecture. Evidence of the domestication and its two spheres occurs in the first night when Mrs. Slade is not introduced with the rest of the family as she is predisposed with the running of the kitchen and fulfilling deeds of the feminine in the background of the tavern. The introduction of the family virtually ignores Mrs. Slade and pays special attention to the young man Frank, and his dutiful daughter, whose name is not provided, as she is, at this moment unimportant to Arthurs benevolent intentions. The display of a young and admirable family, allow Arthur to portray Mr. Slades family as admirable, and vulnerable in the same instance. The story centers around a rag to riches type story of Simon, a recent proprietor and man on the rise from the slave work he used to accomplish as a miller. The town holds high opinion

of Simon, as his vision for establishing a tavern has benefitted the town financially. Enter the visitor, an overly-assuming observer who poses philosophical questions along a Socratic nature, that are designed to force the reader to take an introspective approach to the condition of Simon Slade and his family. The visitor does not hesitate to judge Simon for his decision early into the first chapter, when he proceeds to question Simon about his sons exposure to tavern life. Arthur asks Simon, Are you not a little afraid of placing one so young in the way of temptation? (6) To which Simon rebuked with his hopeful intentions. This question asked by the observer, is the first of several to establish the underlying theme of the novel; the scourge of alcohol and its influence on the family, particularly the men. Arthurs theme, in of itself oozes of domesticity, as that will be the primary focus of appealing to the readers sentimentalism. Bearing in mind Arthurs position of abstinence as a Tee-totaler, this novel is easily predictable. Although adequately written, with some minor character development, there is little that speaks to the psychological affliction of the lamented drunkards and inebriates found within the patrons of the tavern. These are not observations or central to the work, they are inserted, somewhat as a distraction to point attention to Arthurs agenda. This work is designed to expose the observed as subjects and demonize them as contributing to the moral woes of society. Joe Morgan could very well be the perfect fit for an antagonist. As Simons ex- business partner at the mill, he was left in unfortunate circumstances when Simon abandoned him to pursue his venture with the tavern and as a result, resents his success. Joe Morgan, frequents his old partners tavern, and instigates Arguments and banter with Simon and the other patrons. It is Joe who represents the typical drunkard that Arthur vehemently despises. He is demonized and exposed as irresponsible and immoral. Arthur supports this line of thought when he described Morgan in the bar and claimed, A glance showed him to be one of a class seen in all bar rooms;

a poor, broken-down inebriate, with the inward power of resistance goneconscious of having no mans respect, and giving respect to none. (13) The further one reads Arthurs novel the more apparent his hatred for intemperance becomes apparent. In regards to sentimentalism, there are numerous examples of literary visuals designed to provoke inner emotion and sympathy. The conversation Joe Morgan has with his daughter, who is ailing from head trauma as a result of a confrontation between her father and Mr. Slade. Arthur while protecting and exposing the young girls innocence, at the same time makes a martyr of her to her fathers deficiencies. The other women are elevated to the status of cross-bearers, forced to live in a world where their reason knows better than their husbands, yet unable to do more than discuss the topic. They are representative of the silenced, yet powerful sub-conscious, aspect of the inebriates psychology. They represent light, pureness, reason and in Mrs. Slades case morality. The observer, all knowing as he is, sees these tenants and conjures up his questions, beckoning the men and the reader for that matter, to take notice of their troubled partners. The story does develop nicely as I found myself hopeful for Joe Morgans redemption and nearly grief stricken at the pleading and begging of his tender, yet innocent daughter Mary. Alternatively, I found the insert from, The Autobiography of John B. Gough, a deeply fascinating and macabre read about the torments of alcoholism. The imagery was stunning, explanative and uncanny, all at the same time. The novel, albeit predictable and dated, does deliver as intended and force the reader to sympathize with its characters. My mind and heart at the end of the third night are with poor little Mary and her plight. I want Joe Morgan to be redeemed and can understand the sentiment that Arthur is suggesting as to the usefulness of a splendid tavern. Arthurs point is clear, No matter how nice an establishment, or how warm the intentions are of

those that run it, if it brings such ill-fated outcomes, it has no place in a reasonable conscious society. Arthurs intentions may be indeed noble, I find myself wishful for less of the observatory narration and would like to jump feet first into the drama and violence brought on by the scourge of the inebriates.

Works Cited Arthur, T. S., and Jon Miller. Ten Nights in a Bar-room, and What I Saw There. Acton, MA: Copley Group, 2002. Print. Gough, John B. Autobiography of John B. Gough. London: Morgan and Scott, 1988. Print.