E.B. Farnum: Deadwood character profile

E.B. Farnum is a fascinating character in the gritty and captivating television series Deadwood. As the owner of The Grand Central Hotel and the mayor of Deadwood, Farnum's presence holds significant influence over the town's political landscape. However, his motivations are driven by a troubling combination of greed and cowardice, making him a complex character to dissect and analyze.One of the central aspects of Farnum's character is his insatiable greed. Throughout the series, he constantly seeks ways to increase his wealth and power, often at the expense of others. Whether it be through shady business deals or exploiting the town's vulnerable residents, Farnum's actions reveal a morally bankrupt individual with an unwavering desire for personal gain.Farnum's greed is highlighted by his relentless pursuit of business opportunities, even if they are morally dubious. For instance, he is quick to jump on the chance to profit from illicit activities, such as prostitution and gambling. This symbolizes his willingness to exploit the vices of others for his own financial benefit, showcasing a lack of empathy or regard for the well-being of those around him.Furthermore, Farnum's greed is fueled by his deep-rooted insecurity and fear of losing his standing in the community. He constantly seeks validation and acceptance from others, particularly from those in positions of power. This fear of being marginalized or left behind drives him to make questionable alliances and engage in political schemes to safeguard his influence and control.However, it is Farnum's cowardice that truly shapes his character. Despite holding a position of authority as the mayor, he often shies away from taking decisive action or confronting difficult situations. He is more inclined to manipulate circumstances behind the scenes rather than confront them head-on. This cowardice is rooted in his fear of confrontation and his desire to maintain a veneer of respectability, even if it means compromising his principles.Farnum's cowardice is highlighted by his tendency to align himself with those in power, such as Al Swearengen, the influential and notoriously violent owner of The Gem Saloon. Farnum willingly aligns himself with Swearengen, believing that it will offer him protection and security. This illustrates his willingness to sacrifice his own integrity and align himself with morally questionable individuals in order to preserve his own safety.From a theoretical perspective, Farnum's character can be analyzed through concepts such as greed and the fear of losing social status. By examining Farnum's actions through these lenses, we can understand the underlying motivations that drive his behavior. This analysis offers insight into the intricate web of power dynamics and personal insecurities that shape the social landscape of Deadwood.In conclusion, E.B. Farnum's character in Deadwood presents a complex portrayal of an individual driven by greed and cowardice. His relentless pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others, combined with his fear of losing power and status, creates a multi-dimensional character whose actions speak volumes about the darker aspects of human nature. Farnum serves as a thought-provoking example of the manipulative and morally questionable individuals that often populate the political arenas of our own world.