Could you tell us more about the characters/source story? I’m intrigued!

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. It’s a classic novel about Depression era America.

Doesn’t matter, it’s good writing. :) Wonder if they would use shitstain back then, though. still, point made.

I’ll amend it if anyone tells me otherwise.

LOL nah I rather like the “shitstain” moniker. I couldn’t help but try and give a voice to this character through my practiced accent of a southerner? Not sure but whatever the origin of the character he was beautifully done.

In the context of the Steinbeck this makes everything clear now, thank you!

I agree with Elsha. There’s a mix of modern language (shitstain) and british spelling (colour) that doesn’t ring true to California in the 1930’s. The sound of this character’s words seems real enough to settle me into the story (cain’t, aint). I can’t believe I haven’t read this book. It’s been on my to read list since I was 14.

Sorry but unfortunately I’ve spelt colour that way my whole life, what with being British and all.

Oh, forgot to mention, I’m not 100% sure when ‘dumbass’ entered the lexicon, it’s another word that might be ahead of its time here.

If someone is halfway to becoming British do you call them Brit-ish?
Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all night.