The Splendid Brute

Introduction

“The Splendid Brute,” a short story by Robert E. Howard, showcases a rough and tumble narrative set in the early 20th century America, reflective of the socio-cultural attitudes and the rugged individualism prevalent during Howard’s time. The story revolves around Mike Costigan, a character who embodies the untamed, raw energy of a man living on the fringes of society, exuding a blend of charm and danger that defines his interactions and the course of the story. It is a 1300-words incomplete story.

Summary

The story begins with the narrator’s encounter with Mike Costigan at a prizefight, where Mike’s physical presence and intense reaction to the violence captivate the narrator. Mike, described as a “splendid brute,” invites the narrator to join him for a meal, beginning a series of adventures that highlight Mike’s unconventional and often volatile behavior.

Mike is portrayed as a man of action and minimal scruples, having worked various jobs and living by his own code. His past is murky, filled with hints of violence and a disregard for societal norms. The narrator, drawn by Mike’s charisma and brute force, accompanies him through various escapades that often border on the lawless.

A significant incident occurs when Mike and the narrator encounter a quadroon woman, leading to a confrontation with a large black man who claims her as his own. Mike’s handling of the situation—through intimidation and violence—underscores his dominant, unyielding nature. He brandishes a hidden gun, defusing the threat with a chilling calmness.

The resolution of this confrontation does not bring peace but leads to a tragic outcome. The next day, the narrator learns from the newspaper that the black man, named Ezra Johns, was killed by the woman he lived with following a violent argument prompted by the previous day’s events. This news is met with indifference by Mike, who shrugs off any responsibility for the escalating violence that led to the man’s death.

Throughout the story, Howard’s prose vividly captures the harsh realities of the characters’ lives, framed by a world where might often makes right, and the racial tensions of the time are starkly evident.

Characters

  • Mike Costigan: The central character, a physically imposing man with a background in physical jobs and boxing. His personality is a mix of affability and potential for sudden violence. He navigates through society’s margins, often engaging in morally ambiguous or outright dangerous behavior.
  • Narrator (Unnamed): The observer and chronicler of the events, he provides a window into Mike’s world, drawn by the latter’s magnetic, if perilous, character. His role is mostly passive, following Mike into various situations and reflecting on the unfolding events.
  • Quadroon Woman: A minor character who becomes the pivot for a violent episode. Her interaction with Mike and another man leads to a significant conflict.
  • Ezra Johns: The antagonistic figure who confronts Mike over the quadroon woman. His confrontation with Mike escalates to a life-threatening situation, and he ultimately meets a tragic end at the hands of the woman he was involved with.
  • Policeman: A briefly mentioned character who represents a semblance of authority but is effectively sidelined by Mike’s forceful personality.

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