Introduction
In ‘The hour of truth’ , the integrity of Baldwin is the dominant trait around which the whole play is spun. This one- act play evidences his craftsmanship where the classical unites time, place and action were observed meticulously. The climax has an O. Henry twist and thus a surprising end.
Baldwin is a middle class man earning 60 pounds a week. He is working in a private bank for Mr. Gresham. They are close friends for over thirty years. Baldwin Christens his son as Gresham Baldwin. He leads a contented life. He finds out that his boss has been misappropriating money very cleverly. Technically speaking the depositors will i not lose a scent. But Baldwin coerced Mr. Gresham to close the bank and | settle the account of the depositors. Mr. Gresham promised to return the depositors money. He offered Baldwin one hundred thousand dollars if he chose to tell the enquiry officers that he had forgotten some important details. This would help Gresham get out of the problem safely. Baldwin was shocked by the offer.
He went home and told Martha, his wife and Gresham Baldwin about the offer. On hearing the handsome offer, both the wife and son persuade him to take the money as it was just a technicality and the depositors would not lose money. Actually, Baldwin had a faith that his family regarded his integrity far higher than material gains. When he learnt his son and family members were trying to convince him to take the money, he felt disgusted. Just then, Mr. Marshal, President of third National Bank, informed Baldwin that his boss Mr. Gresham has confessed to his crime. He had told him that one hundred thousand dollars couldn’t shake Baldwin’s integrity. Though he had told him that it was a difference of salary he had paid and what he ought to have paid. He said Gresham did not want him to undergo the pain of testifying against him in the court. Hearing this, Baldwin cried. His heart felt light. Mr. marshal offered him a position in his bank. This has been the honour conferred on his honesty.
Conclusion
The dramatist reflects the foibles of modem society. People value riches more than honesty and integrity. He rewards honesty at the end reaffirming the common faith “Honesty is always rewarded.”
