Comparing The Short Story 'Little Jess And The Outriders'

In the short story, “Little Jess and the Outriders” by Jessamyn West, the protagonist has a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation. He believes he committed a sin by helping Roy but in reality, he is not.

Little Jess helps heal a young man and keep him alive by providing him with food. Even though he detests war and slavery, he helps the young confederate soldier. Little Jess’ morals come into play when he decides to help the man who has the opposite of his beliefs. However, Little Jess is slightly reassured when Roy, the soldier, tells him he does not own slaves. Little Jess believes he turned into a traitor and hides his secret from his family. After Roy is healed and left for home, Little Jess’s guilt dominates him. Little