'Song of Three Friends' Summary

The Song of Three Friends is a tragic tale of friendship, love, and betrayal set against the backdrop of the American frontier. The poem follows three friends, Mike Fink, Will Carpenter, and Frank Talbeau, as they travel up the Missouri River in 1822 as members of Ashley's Hundred. The friends are all skilled frontiersmen, but they are also very different in personality. Mike Fink is a larger-than-life character, known for his strength, his drinking, and his love of fighting. Will Carpenter is a more thoughtful and introspective man, who is drawn to the beauty of the wilderness. Frank Talbeau is a skilled trapper and a loyal friend, but he is also haunted by a tragic past. As the friends travel up the river, they encounter a variety of challenges, including dangerous animals, hostile Native Americans, and the harsh elements. They also begin to fall out over the love of a woman named Rose. Mike Fink is determined to win Rose's affections, but Will Carpenter is also in love with her. The rivalry between the two friends leads to a tragic confrontation that results in the death of one of them. The Song of Three Friends is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and betrayal. It is also a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the mountain men who helped to open up the American West.