The Easterner - the Blue Hotel

The Easterner, in chapter 9 of “The Blue Hotel,” states ‘Every sin is the result of a collaboration’ (Crane 618). The Easterner believes that he, Pat Scully, Johnnie, and the gambler contributed to the Swede’s death. However, it is ultimately the Swede who is responsible for his own demise. The Swede’s preconceived notions of the West as a hostile place feed his fear. He arrives at Fort Romper expecting the worst. For this reason, his outlook and perspective of the West cumulate in the events which lead to his demise. In “The Blue Hotel” Stephen Crane argues that the Swede’s death is inevitable due to his fear of the West, the decision to drink whiskey, and his insecurity.

The Swede’s death is inevitable due to his fear of the West. His belief that he would get killed prompts him to act erratically, leading the other men to believe his presumptions about the West are false. The others initially notice the Swede’s strange demeanor when “ … his laughter rang somehow childish” towards the farmer who argued with Johnnie over cards (602). However, the Swede laughs to disguise his nervousness and fear of being killed. The Swede believes the West to be a dangerous and lawless place. He is guided by his expectations and fears that he is “ … right in the middle of hell” (607). While playing cards, the Swede casually states ‘I suppose there have been a good many men killed in this room,’ forcing Johnnie to confront him (603). The Swede’s apprehension about the West spurs him to glorify himself in front of Johnnie. He attempts to assert his experience and power, sarcastically saying ‘Oh, maybe you think I have been to nowheres’ (603). However, exalting himself in front of Johnnie only increases his fear of the West. The Swede acts in a defensive manner because he is scared that all the “western” people in the hotel would kill him. The Swede’s statements indicate his ignorance and the others are bewildered by his spontaneous outbursts. His strange behavior merely reflects his false preconceptions about the West and underscores his foolishness. For instance, he attempts to hide his apprehension by announcing he will leave the hotel. By “ … back[ing] rapidly toward a corner of the room” the Swede is afraid to confront any of the other men (603). His constant proclamation of his death underlines his anxiety about the West. The Swede then attempts to dramatize the situation to cover it. Retreating from the card game he nervously says ‘I will go away, I will leave this house’ (604). Rather than settling the argument, the Swede's first instinct is to run due to his fear. Thus, his fearfulness of being killed leads him to his death.

The Swede’s death is inevitable due to the decision to drink whiskey. In contrast to his previous behavior, the Swede becomes more rambunctious and displays a false sense of authority when Scully gives him alcohol. Since the Swede threatens to leave the hotel, Scully aims to persuade him to stay by offering “ … a large yellow-brown whisky bottle” (606). By ensuring that the whiskey is not poisoned, Scully assuages the Swede’s paranoia and fear. As the Swede is convinced that the drink is not poisoned, and drinks, an obvious change of attitude occurs. When drinking the whiskey, he “ … kept his glance burning with hatred upon the old man’s face” (606). Now, the Swede is no longer fearful of being killed and desires to make others afraid. Drinking the alcohol emboldened him, subsiding his fears. When going back to the card game, he often “ … interposed with a grandeur of confidence” and “ … talked arrogantly, profanely, angrily” (607-608). As the Swede attempts to assert control, his brash demeanor overcomes his ability to think rationally. Once the Swede drinks the whiskey, he believes he is superior to the westerners whom he earlier feared. The Swede believed his actions to be inconsequential, however, constant reckless decisions lead him to his death. Though he masquerades his fear through attempting to fit in, the Swede's actions only increase his apprehension about the West. His “ … frequent screams” and urge to fight Johnnie results in an unbreakable chain of events (610). Thus, the Swede will bring upon his own demise, regardless of future actions. The Swede even had the audacity to accuse Johnnie of cheating, “ … [holding] a huge fist in front of Johnnie’s face” (609). Since he is intoxicated, the Swede does not have the resolve to simply abandon the game, bringing himself closer to death. Acting superior to Johnnie causes the fight, and consequently, his arrogance leads him to his death. As a result, the Swede