Daughters of Feud (earliest known draft)

The earliest known draft of “Daughters of Feud,” set in the mountain school of Whiskey Run, unravels amidst the backdrop of a long-standing feud between the Kirby and Pritchard families. Braxton Brent, a new and unexperienced schoolmaster, witnesses a fierce brawl between Joan Kirby and Ann Pritchard, leading to his intervention. The fight reveals the simmering hatred and complexities of mountain customs to Brent, challenging his ideals and forcing him into a position that tests his authority and adaptability to the harsh realities of Whiskey Run.

The story encapsulates the violent, passionate, and deeply entrenched cultural practices of a mountain community, with Brent’s outsider perspective serving as a conduit for exploring themes of justice, love, and the inescapable grip of ancestral hatreds.

The finished story was first published after Howard’s death in Fantasy Crossroads #8.

See also Untitled synopsis (Daughters of Feud) and “Daughters of Feud”, the finished story.

When forced to discipline the girls according to the barbaric local customs, Brent finds himself in a moral and ethical quandary. His actions inadvertently entangle him deeper into the feud, drawing the ire of both families and putting his life at risk. An unexpected turn of events leads to Brent and Joan Kirby acknowledging their love for each other amidst the chaos. However, their newfound happiness is threatened by the violent societal norms and the looming presence of Joan’s brother, Buck Kirby, a fierce feudist with a notorious reputation.

As Brent grapples with his duties, his personal convictions, and the dangerous implications of his actions, he is subjected to a brutal confrontation orchestrated by the Pritchard family, seeking revenge for perceived favoritism. The situation escalates, leading to a violent altercation that brings Buck Kirby back into the fray, not to exacerbate the conflict but to resolve it in an unexpected manner, highlighting the complexities of loyalty, love, and societal obligations in a community governed by archaic traditions.

• Braxton Brent: The new schoolmaster at Whiskey Run, thrust into the complexities of mountain feuds and forced to navigate his authority and morals.
• Joan Kirby: A spirited and fair young woman from the feuding Kirby family, whose brawl with Ann Pritchard and subsequent relationship with Brent centralizes the narrative.
• Ann Pritchard: A dark-haired girl from the rival Pritchard family, whose fight with Joan Kirby escalates the existing tensions.
• Buck Kirby: Joan’s brother, a formidable feudist with a reputation for violence, ultimately reveals a protective stance towards his sister and her happiness.
• Judge Harrison: The educated and wise head of the board of trustees, who warns Brent of the challenges he will face and the customs of Whiskey Run.
• Old Man Pritchard and His Sons (Jim, Dick, and Joe Pritchard): The Pritchard family members, embodying the feud’s bitterness and seeking retribution against perceived slights, contributing to the narrative’s climax.
• Joe Barlow: A minor character used as a pretext for the Pritchard’s ambush on Brent, showcasing the deceitful tactics employed in the feud.

“Daughters of Feud” is a stark and unflinching portrayal of life in the Appalachian mountains during a time when the traditions of frontier life still governed the actions and beliefs of its inhabitants. Written in the 1920s, the story encapsulates the rough, often brutal nature of a society where family honor, violence, and strict gender roles dominate. It is essential to approach this work as a historical document that reflects the attitudes, customs, and narrative styles of its time, offering insight into a world that is both foreign and fascinating to modern readers.

Cultural and Historical Context

The story is set in a rural, mountainous region of the American South, where communities are isolated, and modern societal norms have not fully penetrated. The people of Whiskey Run live by a code that might seem archaic or even barbaric to outsiders, but it is a way of life that has sustained them for generations. This setting allows for a deep exploration of the customs and social structures that define these communities. The story’s depiction of violence, particularly against women, is reflective of the era’s cultural norms, where such actions were not uncommon and were often seen as necessary to maintain order.

The portrayal of gender dynamics in “Daughters of Feud” is rooted in the rigidly patriarchal society of the time. Women, though strong and resilient, are subject to the authority of men, and their value is often tied to their relationships with male family members. The expectation that women can be physically punished by men is not questioned within the narrative, illustrating the stark realities of gender relations in this historical context.

Themes and Motifs

1. Honor and Feud: The story revolves around the concept of family honor, which is maintained through the practice of feuding. The feud between the Kirby and Pritchard families is not just a personal vendetta but a social institution that dictates the behavior of the characters. This theme highlights the importance of reputation and the lengths to which individuals will go to defend it, even to the point of violence.
2. Violence as a Social Norm: Violence is depicted as a normalized and almost ritualistic aspect of life in Whiskey Run. The characters are accustomed to resolving disputes through physical confrontation, whether it be between rival families or within the schoolhouse. The story does not shy away from showing the brutality of this world, where even the schoolmaster is expected to assert his authority through force.
3. Authority and Power: The protagonist, Braxton Brent, struggles with his role as an authority figure in a community where respect is earned through displays of strength and the willingness to use violence. His journey reflects the tension between his own moral beliefs and the harsh realities of the society he has entered. Brent’s eventual submission to the customs of Whiskey Run, despite his initial reluctance, underscores the idea that authority in such a setting is inherently tied to power and control.
4. Sexuality and Gender Roles: Sexual dynamics in the story are closely linked to power and control. Brent’s relationship with Joan Kirby evolves from one of authority and discipline to one of passion and possession. The story portrays the complex and often troubling intersection of violence and sexuality, where traditional gender roles are both enforced and subverted. Joan’s acceptance of Brent’s authority, followed by her assertion of love, complicates the narrative, suggesting a mix of genuine emotion and social conditioning.
5. Outsider vs. Insider: As an outsider, Brent’s initial shock at the customs of Whiskey Run represents the clash between modern sensibilities and traditional ways of life. His eventual immersion into the community’s norms highlights the powerful influence of environment on behavior. This theme underscores the difficulty of imposing external values on a society with its own deeply rooted traditions.

Character Analysis

• Braxton Brent: Brent is a complex character who embodies the conflict between personal morality and societal expectations. His transformation from a reluctant enforcer of local customs to a man driven by primal desires illustrates the power of environment and circumstance. Brent’s internal struggle with his actions, particularly his feelings of guilt and shame, adds depth to his character, making him a tragic figure caught between worlds.
• Joan Kirby: Joan is portrayed as both a victim and an agent within the story. While she is subject to the authority of men, she also exhibits agency, particularly in her decision to manipulate the Pritchards to save Brent. Her actions reveal the complexities of female power in a patriarchal society, where survival often depends on cunning and resilience.
• Ann Pritchard: Ann represents the darker side of the community’s social dynamics. Her vindictive nature and desire for revenge reflect the deep-seated animosities that fuel the feud between the Pritchard and Kirby families. Ann’s actions are driven by both personal humiliation and the broader context of the feud, making her a central antagonist in the narrative.
• Buck Kirby: Buck is the embodiment of the mountain man—fierce, loyal, and governed by a strict code of honor. His actions are motivated by a deep sense of family duty, and his willingness to kill or be killed for the sake of his sister’s honor reflects the extremity of his loyalty. Buck’s ultimate decision to force Brent to marry Joan suggests a pragmatic approach to resolving conflicts within the rigid social structure.

Conclusion

“Daughters of Feud” is a powerful exploration of a world governed by primal instincts, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by the demands of honor, family loyalty, and survival. The story is a product of its time, offering a window into a society where violence and power are inextricably linked, and where traditional gender roles are both enforced and challenged. As a historical document, it provides valuable insight into the cultural norms and social dynamics of early 20th-century Appalachian life, capturing the raw and often brutal realities of a community that lives by its own rules.

Introduction

The comparison between the first known draft and the final published version of “Daughters of Feud” reveals significant changes in narrative structure, character development, and thematic emphasis. While the core storyline remains intact, key alterations were made to enhance the story’s impact, refine character motivations, and align the narrative more closely with the norms of storytelling at the time.

Narrative and Structural Changes

1. Pacing and Structure:
   • Draft: The first draft includes extensive descriptions and internal monologues that slow down the pacing. This version spends more time on Brent’s internal conflict and moral considerations, particularly his feelings of guilt and shame after his encounter with Joan.
   • Final Version: The pacing is more streamlined, with less emphasis on Brent’s internal turmoil. The final version focuses more on the external action and tension between characters, making the narrative more dynamic and fast-paced. This shift likely serves to engage readers more directly, reducing the introspective moments that might slow the story’s momentum.
2. Scene Composition:
   • Draft: The initial version contains longer, more detailed scenes, particularly in the interactions between Brent and Joan. The draft includes scenes of Brent grappling with the consequences of his actions and the societal expectations placed upon him.
   • Final Version: Some scenes are condensed or omitted in the final version. For example, the final version reduces the length of Brent’s introspection after his encounter with Joan, focusing instead on the immediate danger posed by the Pritchards and Buck Kirby. This change places greater emphasis on the external conflict rather than Brent’s internal struggle.
3. Dialogue:
   • Draft: Dialogue in the draft is often more detailed, with characters expressing more of their thoughts and emotions verbally. This includes longer exchanges between characters that reveal their motivations and the underlying tensions in the story.
   • Final Version: The dialogue is tightened in the final version, making it more direct and impactful. The exchanges between characters are sharper and more concise, contributing to the faster pacing and heightened tension.

Character Development

1. Braxton Brent:
   • Draft: Brent’s character in the draft is more introspective, with significant focus on his internal conflict. He is portrayed as a man deeply troubled by the moral implications of his actions, particularly after his encounter with Joan. His thoughts reveal his fear, guilt, and sense of powerlessness in the face of the violent customs of Whiskey Run.
   • Final Version: Brent remains introspective, but the final version emphasizes his external actions more than his internal conflict. His character is shown to be more decisive and action-oriented, particularly in his confrontations with Buck Kirby and the Pritchards. The final version portrays Brent as a man caught between his duties and desires but more focused on survival and asserting his authority.
2. Joan Kirby:
   • Draft: Joan in the draft is portrayed with a mix of defiance and vulnerability. Her actions are driven by both fear and a desire to assert her dignity. The draft provides a more detailed exploration of her emotions during her interactions with Brent and the Pritchards.
   • Final Version: Joan’s character is streamlined to focus more on her strength and cunning. The final version emphasizes her strategic thinking, particularly in the scene where she fabricates evidence of her punishment to save Brent. Joan is portrayed as a woman who is both a victim of her circumstances and an active agent in shaping her destiny.
3. Buck Kirby:
   • Draft: Buck is depicted as a relentless and dangerous figure, embodying the violent, honor-bound nature of the mountain people. His presence in the draft is menacing, and his motivations are driven by an unwavering loyalty to his family.
   • Final Version: Buck’s character remains largely the same in the final version, but his role is slightly expanded to highlight his cunning and pragmatism. The final version presents Buck as a more complex figure, capable of violence but also understanding the need for resolution through marriage, thus preserving family honor without unnecessary bloodshed.
4. The Pritchard Family:
   • Draft: The Pritchards are portrayed as brutish and vengeful, with a strong emphasis on their desire for retribution. Their actions are motivated by deep-seated hatred and a desire to humiliate their enemies.
   • Final Version: The final version retains the Pritchards’ brutish nature but emphasizes their role as antagonists more clearly. Their actions are depicted with less nuance, focusing on their role as the primary threat to Brent and Joan. The final version makes them less complex but more menacing, serving the narrative’s need for a clear external conflict.

Thematic Changes

1. Authority and Power:
   • Draft: The theme of authority is explored through Brent’s internal conflict over his use of power. The draft delves into his doubts about the legitimacy of his actions, particularly regarding the punishment of Joan and Ann.
   • Final Version: The final version shifts the focus from internal conflict to the assertion of power in a hostile environment. Brent’s authority is depicted more as a necessity for survival, with less emphasis on his moral qualms and more on his actions to maintain control.
2. Violence and Custom:
   • Draft: The draft offers a more detailed critique of the violent customs of Whiskey Run, with Brent frequently questioning the morality of these practices. The violence is portrayed as both a social norm and a source of inner turmoil for Brent.
   • Final Version: Violence is depicted more as a given, an integral part of life in the mountains. The final version accepts the customs as part of the setting, with less emphasis on questioning their morality. This change makes the narrative more action-driven and less reflective.
3. Sexuality and Power Dynamics:
   • Draft: The draft explores the power dynamics between Brent and Joan in greater detail, focusing on the intersection of violence, sexuality, and authority. The narrative delves into Brent’s struggle with his desires and the consequences of crossing moral boundaries.
   • Final Version: While the final version retains these elements, it shifts the emphasis towards the consequences of Brent’s actions in the external world rather than his internal conflict. Joan’s sexuality is depicted as both a source of power and vulnerability, but the narrative focuses more on the external threats they face rather than the internal dynamics of their relationship.
4. Honor and Feud:
   • Draft: The theme of family honor and feud is central in both versions, but the draft provides more background on the feud and its impact on the characters’ lives. The Pritchards’ and Kirbys’ actions are motivated by a deeply ingrained sense of familial duty and revenge.
   • Final Version: The final version sharpens this theme by focusing on the immediate actions and decisions of the characters. Buck’s decision to force Brent to marry Joan is presented as a pragmatic solution to the feud, preserving honor without further bloodshed.

Conclusion

The final published version of “Daughters of Feud” is a more polished and streamlined narrative that emphasizes action, external conflict, and the harsh realities of life in the mountains. It retains the core elements of the first draft but refines them to create a story that is more direct, tense, and focused on the characters’ immediate struggles. The changes made from the draft to the final version enhance the story’s readability and impact, aligning it more closely with the conventions of the time while preserving its raw exploration of authority, violence, and honor.

• SPICY ADVENTURES, Ultimate Edition, REH Foundation Press, August 2024