Some people who have had an influence over me

Introduction

Some people who have had an influence over me. Written on February 7, 1922, when Howard attended Cross Plains High School. He received the grade A-.

Robert E. Howard’s school paper essay, “Some People Who Have Had Influence Over Me,” offers a candid and somewhat humorous reflection on the figures who shaped his youthful aspirations, illustrating the impact of literature and real-life figures on his personal development.

In the essay, Robert E. Howard begins by acknowledging the profound influence of his parents on his life, setting a foundational respect and admiration typical of personal essays. However, he quickly shifts to a more whimsical tone by discussing his childhood fascination with historical and fictional pirates like Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and Morgan. These stories filled him with a desire to become a pirate himself, drawn by the romantic and adventurous depictions in popular culture.

Howard’s pirate dreams were dashed when he encountered a more realistic portrayal of a pirate’s life and demise through a book by an unnamed author. This book presented the harsh realities of piracy, including the grim fates of famous pirates, which deeply affected Howard. Particularly impactful was an illustration of a pirate’s execution, which left an indelible mark on his young mind, steering him away from aspirations of piracy due to the stark portrayal of the brutal end that awaited these outlaws.

The essay takes another turn as Howard briefly toys with the idea of emulating outlaws like Jesse James or “Bison William” (likely a misrecollection of “Buffalo Bill”). This phase also ended abruptly due to a mishap with an automatic pistol, reinforcing his decision to steer clear of a life of crime and violence.

Finally, Howard humorously recalls a life-altering moment influenced by a judge who, through the pronouncement of a sentence of “Ten years,” dramatically highlighted the consequences of a life of crime, further solidifying his decision to abandon his early, more reckless dreams. He concludes by aligning himself with a sentiment expressed by Abraham Lincoln about the overarching influence of one’s parents, echoing a deep-seated appreciation for the guiding role his parents played in his life.

Through this essay, Howard illustrates how literature and real-life encounters profoundly influenced his early life decisions, steering him away from the fantastical and often dangerous ambitions shaped by romanticized portrayals towards a more grounded and lawful path.

Involved persons

  • Robert E. Howard: The narrator and subject of the essay, reflecting on the various influences on his life choices.
  • Howard’s Parents: Cited as his primary and enduring influence, shaping his values and decisions.
  • Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and Morgan: Historical and legendary pirates whose adventurous tales initially inspired Howard to pursue a life of piracy.
  • Unnamed Author: The writer of a realistic book on piracy that dissuaded Howard from his piratical ambitions by exposing the grim realities of the pirate life.
  • Judge: A real-life figure whose stern warning in the form of a judicial sentence had a profound impact on Howard, steering him away from any criminal aspirations.
  • Abraham Lincoln: Mentioned at the conclusion of the essay, symbolizing the importance of parental influence, which Howard strongly resonates with.

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