Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains - Essay Example

The story bears a theme of tension, especially as seen through the anxiety brought to the lives of the rural mountaineers by the state authorities when Rick Tyler is accused of a crime he did not commit (Satterwhit 1).

The sheriff, Micajah Greene, who is not a member of the rural community, also accuses a lady named Dorinda of hiding Tyler, which leads her father and brothers to plan to kill him. From the line “make a mark on this rifle barrel for Greene’s word to be remembered by” (Edwards & Meehan 1), Dorinda’s father expresses tension and anger and is ready to shoot the sheriff. The reader easily relates this scenario to the tension and violence that erupts when civilians turn against law enforcers.

The story also has a strong tone of empathy seen when Dorinda pleads with her family not to kill the sheriff. That is through her words “No, no, I do not want him shot. I would not have him hurt fur me, fur nothin'! I ain't keeping now fur what he said. Let him be--let him be!” (Edwards & Meehan 1). She had only sought her family’s sympathy but not the vengeance they directed at the sheriff. This difference exhibits a sense of empathy.