Posted by Nonnie on May 14, 2000 at 22:28:15:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Changes posted by Bernard on May 14, 2000 at 19:48:37:

And, too, we have to remember the power of pride. It seems to me that Tye & Orrin had pride of family more than pride of self. But Tom was different. The fact that the others sided with Orrin about sending the money to the girl hurt his pride--after all, they weren't listening to him. Even if he did eventually agree with Orrin, the fact that his opinion was overruled might have stung. This minor infraction against Tom's pride would have smouldered within him until the ultimate blow to his pride--Orrin getting chosen over him for the sheriff's position. Tom wanted to win that election, wanted to get involved in the politics. But it was Orrin with the Welshman's tongue, Orrin who the people liked and respected enough to elect. And it must have really irked Tom that Orrin wasn't TRYING to push him out. Orrin figured that either of them would do a good job--if Tom won, Orrin would support him. Orrin didn't have the driving need that Tom had to win. So it was yet another blow to Tom's pride when Orrin did win. We've all seen too many times what foolish pride can do to a person. In Tom's case, he couldn't overcome it (the drinking didn't help, either) and in the end, it destroyed him.

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