The Heathen

Introduction

“The Heathen” is a story centered around Tom Harper, a town drunkard, and his defiant stance against the religious fervor in a small West Texas town. The narrative explores themes of faith, defiance, and societal norms, ultimately culminating in Tom’s dramatic confrontation with the townspeople during a revival meeting.

Summary

Tom Harper is known as the town drunkard in a small West Texas town. Despite being educated and from a once-prominent Southern family, Tom has succumbed to alcoholism. The town is in the midst of a revival meeting, a significant event that attracts people from miles around. Brother Ruddle, the preacher, passionately calls on sinners to repent, creating an intense atmosphere in the tabernacle.

Tom interrupts the revival with loud cries of “Hokum!” and staggers up the aisle to confront Brother Ruddle. The congregation reacts with a mix of shock and anger, some even calling for Tom to be thrown out or lynched. However, Brother Ruddle manages to quiet them, and a tense dialogue ensues between Tom and the preacher.

Tom challenges the preacher’s teachings, particularly the concept of blood sacrifice for atonement. He questions the justice and mercy of a God who demands blood. Brother Ruddle tries to explain the theological significance, citing the biblical story of Cain and Abel, but Tom remains unconvinced, accusing the preacher of making God seem like a bloodthirsty leech.

In a dramatic moment, Tom dares God to strike him dead if He is displeased with him. The congregation watches in breathless anticipation, but nothing happens immediately. Tom turns to leave, but suddenly staggers and collapses, seemingly struck down. Panic and chaos ensue, with some people fainting and others fleeing the tabernacle.

Brother Ruddle seizes the moment to declare that God has indeed smitten Tom Harper. However, the moment is abruptly ruined when Tom regains consciousness and bursts into uproarious laughter, revealing that he had faked the divine smiting. This act of defiance nearly disrupts the meeting completely, and Tom is subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct.

Tom continues his reckless lifestyle, enjoying his notoriety until a year later when he dies from falling out of a window while drunk. Brother Ruddle later uses Tom’s death as a sermon example, claiming it as divine retribution.

Characters

  • Tom Harper: The town drunkard, known for his defiance and dramatic antics. He challenges the religious norms of the town and ultimately meets a tragic end.
  • Brother Ruddle: The passionate preacher leading the revival meeting. He tries to maintain order and interpret Tom’s actions as divine signs.
  • Congregation: The townspeople attending the revival meeting. Their reactions range from outrage to fear and belief in divine intervention.

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