NATURE OF THE SWEDE’S PROBLEM IN “THE BLUE HOTEL”

In the story “The Blue Hotel,” by Stephen Crane, there is a great mystery that surrounds the character of the Swede. The way in which the Swede talks and acts is very peculiar. Although the other characters in the story try to interpret the Swede’s behavior, it is evident that their attempts are meaningless. The Swede’s problem is far more complex than anyone imagines, and it can be accredited to several skewed ideas the Swede holds.
Initially, the care and the apprehension with which the Swede carries himself is apparent. It is as if he were afraid of the environment he is in. He can only guess what will happen next. This peculiar way of expecting the worst is easily explained. The Swede happens to hold an outdated idea of the West. Since he is a foreigner, he has probably heard the stories of the so-called “Wild West.” He believes that the West is a haven for lawlessness, chaos, and vice. Therefore, he is always in constant watch for something to happen suddenly, such as a fight or a shootout. Because the Swede is always on the lookout for danger, his behavior merits the suspicion of the characters around him.
Consequently, the Swede wants to portray an image of being tough. At the same time that he is cautious, he wants to participate in everything and be a center of attention. A perfect example of his boasting is when he says to Johnnie “I suppose there have been a good many men killed in this room.” Clearly, the Swede is out of touch with reality and is making a futile attempt at appearing tough. His words backfire, for Johnnie reacts violently to the statement and the Swede begins to fear for his life, shouting “these men are going to kill me.” In the end, the true fearful nature of the Swede is revealed to all of the characters. Notwithstanding, the humiliated Swede is determined to look for other ways to show his true toughness.
As a result of his embarrassing display of fear, the Swede decides to engage in a conflict that will let him show everyone what kind of man he really is. The perfect opportunity comes when the Swede catches Johnnie cheating during their card game. Immediately, the Swede jumps up and confronts Johnny, who acts offended by the allegations. The quarrel between the two men ultimately leads to a physical fight between the two, outside of the hotel and in the coldness of the night. After the gruesome struggle, the Swede emerges victorious. He immediately goes back into the hotel, gathers his things, and leaves the hotel. Such quick departure implies that the Swede’s job has been done. He has come the hotel, gotten into a fight with the toughest man, has beaten that man, and has therefore proven that he indeed is tougher than anyone there. Although that is not what the men in the hotel think, the Swede is convinced the men think he is tough. With this newfound “manliness,” the Swede feels invincible. When he confronts the men at the bar for not drinking with him, the Swede has no fear, because he believes that he is now the toughest man in the town. It is that bloated sense of toughness that leads the Swede to his death. If there is any remainder of the West the Swede envisioned, it exists in the form of the gambler the Swede is so unfortunate to disturb. The gambler does not put up with the Swede and ruthlessly kills him. Indeed, the toughness that would supposedly make the Swede intimidating and untouchable is the same toughness that ends up getting him killed.
In conclusion, there are many reasons for the Swede’s peculiar behavior. First, he has a wrong perception of the environment he is in. Also, he tries to act like someone with characteristics he really does not possess. Finally, his petty victory in the quarrel with Johnnie gives him a sense of toughness that eventually kills him, literally. Because he is not aware of the reality around him, the Swede ultimately ends up facing an unfortunate destiny that is sure to have happened to him eventually.