8. Amanda Mason
Amanda Barker’s epitaph is the third in a quartet of linked poems. Along with Cassius Hueffer, Serepta Mason and Constance Hately, Amanda Barker accuses the people of Spoon River of being blind to reality - wilfully or otherwise. Amanda addresses her epitaph to the ‘Traveler’, or any stranger who happens along as she likely feels, even in death, unable to speak to those who failed her so tragically in life. And, if they really were so willing to allow her husband’s hatred take the course it did, all for the sake of appearances, would there be any point in Amanda trying to reason with them now? The good people of Spoon River will go to any lengths to live the appearance of an up-standing, virtuous Middle American community, even if lives must be stunted (Serepta Masaon), lies must be told of the dead (Cassius Hueffer), meanness of spirit ignored as necessary (Constance Hately), and lives forfeited for the greater good (Amanda Barker). No wonder that Amanda Barker is reduced to spe...