Compare and Contrast: Mr. Easton and the Marshal in O. Henry’s “Hearts and Hands”
In O. Henry’s short story “Hearts and Hands,” the characters of Mr. Easton and the marshal play integral roles in a clever case of mistaken identity. While both characters have different motives, they also share some similarities in their actions and decisions. This essay will explore the similarities and differences in the motives of Mr. Easton and the marshal, as well as the reasons behind their respective decisions.

The motives of Mr. Easton and the marshal differ significantly. Mr. Easton’s primary motive is to escape the consequences of his criminal past. He is a convicted felon being transported by the marshal to Leavenworth Penitentiary. Thus, his main objective is to avoid being recognized and captured. On the other hand, the marshal’s motive is to fulfill his duty as a law enforcement officer by safely delivering the prisoner to his destination. The marshal is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served.

Despite their differing motives, Mr. Easton and the marshal share some common ground in their actions. Both characters engage in a game of deception to achieve their respective goals. The marshal, aware of Mr. Easton’s fear of being recognized, plays along with his deception, pretending to be an old acquaintance and even offering him a handshake. This act of pretending allows the marshal to keep a close eye on Mr. Easton and ensures that he remains unaware of their true identities.

The reasons behind the marshal’s decision to play along with Mr. Easton are twofold. Firstly, by pretending to be someone else, the marshal gains the upper hand in maintaining control over Mr. Easton during their journey. By assuming this false identity, he can continue to monitor Mr. Easton’s behavior without raising suspicion or causing him to become overly cautious. Secondly, the marshal’s decision to play along stems from his desire to complete his mission successfully. He understands that by maintaining this ruse, he increases the chances of delivering Mr. Easton to Leavenworth Penitentiary without incident.

Similarly, Mr. Easton’s decision to pretend to be the marshal is driven by self-preservation. He knows that if he reveals his true identity as a prisoner, he will likely face immediate capture and imprisonment. By assuming the role of the marshal, he gains a temporary reprieve from the consequences of his criminal past. Additionally, impersonating a law enforcement officer grants him a certain level of authority and control over others, which he may find empowering given his current vulnerable state.

In conclusion, while Mr. Easton and the marshal have different motives in O. Henry’s “Hearts and Hands,” they also share commonalities in their actions and decisions. Mr. Easton seeks to escape his criminal past, while the marshal is committed to upholding the law. Nevertheless, both characters engage in deception to achieve their goals – the marshal playing along with Mr. Easton’s charade and Mr. Easton pretending to be the marshal – driven by self-interest and a desire to maintain control over their circumstances. Ultimately, it is through this interplay of motives and actions that O. Henry crafts a compelling tale filled with irony and unexpected twists.