Archie's Mistake

"Archie's Mistake" by G. E. Wyatt is a story about snap judgements and their unexpected ripple effects in a close-knit mill community. The story centers Stephen Bennett, a poorly dressed young worker, and his daily battles against unfair treatment fueled by his coworkers and status in life. When Archie Fairfax, the mill owner’s son, makes up his mind about Stephen, it sets off a chain of events that shows the pressures Stephen deals with and the prejudice he faces. The intense pressure results in a violent conflict, which makes Archie question his attitudes and choices. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the significance of empathy and moral uprightness, and the problems that arise from being so quick to judge each other.