THE OUTCASTS OF POKER FLAT
PRE-READING ACTIVITIES
VOCABULARY
Permanently: In the case of two men, this had been done permanently.
Banishment: The banishment of certain undesirable characters had been announced.
Professional: It should be said that their improper behavior was professional.
Philosophic: Mr. Oakhurst received his sentence with philosophic calm.
Intimidation: The armed party was present for the intimidation of Oakhurst.
Exiles: The exiles were forbidden to return at the peril of their lives.
Malevolence: Mother Shipton eyed Five-Spot’s rider with malevolence.
Advisable: It was the most suitable spot for camp- if camping had been advisable.
Notorious: Excitement helped him maintain that calmness for which he was notorious.
Compelled: As it was, Uncle Billy felt compelled to retreat to the canyon.
Amiability: The lady actually seemed to be relaxing into amiability.
Abated: At midnight, the storm abated.
The Outcasts of Poker Flat is a short story which is set in the “wild west” during the
1850’s.
Describe what you think life was like during this time.
Describe what you think it means to be an outcast.
How would you feel if you were told that you could no longer live in your hometown and if you
tried to return, you would be killed. What would you do?
The author of The Outcasts of Poker Flat is Brett Harte. Using the internet, find five
interesting about him and his writing.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Outcasts of Poker Flat takes place in the “wild west” during the 1850’s. Using the
internet, find five interesting facts about this time period.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.