The Paradox

Introduction

The Paradox. 1700 words, unfinished.

“The Paradox” by Robert E. Howard is a short story that delves into the gritty realities of life in the oil fields of West Texas during the early 20th century. The narrative follows Steve Costigan, a character entangled in the harsh economic conditions of the oil boom and bust cycle. This story, through its exploration of existential themes and the stark portrayal of a transient workforce, presents a vivid snapshot of the struggles faced by individuals in pursuit of financial stability and personal identity in a fluctuating industry. 1700 words, unfinished.

“The Paradox” provides a stark commentary on the devaluation of labor and the extreme measures people consider when faced with economic desperation. Robert E. Howard uses this narrative to explore deeper philosophical questions about the value of human effort and the moral compromises people may consider when pushed to their limits.

Summary

The story begins with Steve Costigan reflecting on a bank’s controversial reward policy aimed at deterring bank robberies by offering a reward only for the death of robbers, not their capture. This policy sets a grim tone as it implies a deadly consequence for crime in a desperate economic environment.

Costigan, a rugged individualist with a cynical view of life, visits the bank to check his dwindling account balance, a reminder of his precarious financial situation. The town of Lost Plains, once thriving from the oil boom, is now a shadow of its former self, with idle oil rigs and a transient population clinging to diminishing job opportunities.

Walking through town, Costigan feels the bite of impending poverty and considers returning to low-wage labor as a last resort. He retreats to the outskirts, into the mesquite woods, to drink away his sorrows and frustrations. Here, he meets a young roughneck named Leary, also struggling to find work and make ends meet.

Costigan, in a drunken state, shares a bleak outlook on their profession. He describes the roughneck lifestyle as a dead-end path filled with hard labor, meager earnings, and no future prospects. He argues that physical labor is undervalued and that their lives are expendable in the broader economic machine.

The conversation turns to a potential criminal opportunity in Lost Plains, hinting at Costigan’s desperation and moral ambiguity. He suggests that there might be a more lucrative, albeit risky, way to make money, different from the legal but unrewarding oil field work. The story leaves off with the implication that Costigan is contemplating a drastic action as a way out of his financial and existential crisis.

Characters

  • Steve Costigan: The main character, a disillusioned oil worker who reflects on the harsh realities of his profession and the economic conditions of the time. He is portrayed as a complex character with a mix of idealism and cynicism, contemplating risky choices as a means of escape from poverty.
  • Mr. Eben: The cashier at the bank, a minor character who represents the small-town familiarity and the fading economic structures of Lost Plains.
  • Leary: A young roughneck who encounters Costigan. He represents the younger generation of workers facing the same bleak prospects in the oil fields. His interaction with Costigan highlights the shared desperation among workers.
  • Unnamed acquaintance: A brief character who discusses the bank’s reward policy with Costigan at the story’s opening, highlighting the community’s response to crime and economic hardship.

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