Local-Color Regionalism in Tennessees Partner Essay -- essays research

The literary movement of local-color regionalism in American literature is a very distinctive and interesting form of fiction scripted material that effectively combines regional characteristics, dialect, customs and humor. In Bret Hartes Tennessees Partner, these characteristics helped the story jump off the page, allowing the reader to understand the times rather than just the characters. And, for that reason, I feel that this is an outstanding piece of work.One of the most distinguishable characteristics of local-color regionalism writing is the usage of authentic dialect based on the storys setting. In Tennessees Partner, Harte uses this tactic best when quoting the title character. For example, when Tennessees Partner suddenly appears in court on behalf of his best friend, Tennessee, his words are carefully written based on how they sounded from his mouth not on how they should be, grammatically speakingTennessee, thar, has played it pretty rough and expensive-like on a stran ger, and on this yer camp. And now, whats the uncontaminating thing?...Heres seventeen hundred dollars in coarse gold and a watch, -- its about all my pile, and call it squareSuch burble effectively captures the typical conversation of the Old West and the Gold Rush and gives the reader a feeling of authenticity. Tennessees speech is similar, though not near as rough. Although not one hand of poker was played throughout the entire story, Tennessee revealed, through his use of words in his every...