John Inglewood's The Ascetical Philosophy Of Innocent Smith

The eccentric entrance of Innocent Smith to Beacon House brings the philosophy of Smith as well to a place much in need of it. Smith's philosophy does not have wild notions or indulgent pleasures; rather, it can be seen as an ascetical philosophy. This philosophy is closely associated with the virtues of temperance and charity. It leads Innocent to continually rediscover himself.

The eccentricities of Innocent are many; as the luggage of Smith is explored by Inglewood, a dilemma occurs in Inglewood's mind. Inglewood, " happening to note a Volnay which he knew to be excellent, supposed at first that the stranger was an epicure in vintages. He was therefore surprised to find that the next bottle was a vile sham claret" (14). This contradiction is resolved when Inglewood notices that the bottles of wine are all brightly colored in the six primary and secondary colors and that the quality of the wine is simply accidental. To Smith, wine is not a commodity to be curated, instead, it is a "quaintly colored syrup" (14) whose taste means nothing.

The asceticism of Smith completely ignores the reason why most people drink wine; the temperance leads to a lasting
Smith now goes around assisting others into becoming alive again. In the High Court of Beacon, the incident at Brakespeare College is investigated and the charity of Smith is vindicated. The warden is established to be a most pessimistic man whom Smith argues with until dawn. Smith then performs an act of charity to the warden, offering to "help you out of your hole" (69); the revolver of Smith transfixes the warden and secures his full attention. Smith then leads the unhappy, frightened man through a litany of thanksgiving for the ducks, drakes, churches, villas, vulgar people, rags, and spotted blinds. Smith then fires two rounds around the head of the warden who is then rescued by the