RAINBOW PETE
Setting. Mushrat Portage. The setting is of unusual importance, since nowhere else, probably, would the action be possible.
Characters. The woman employed at Scarecrow Charlie’s; Rainbow Pete; Pal Yachy; minor persons. Who is the narrator? Has he an acting part in the story?
Plot.
Initial Incident: Rainbow Pete and the woman are married.
Steps toward the Dramatic Climax: Mushrat is disappointed at Pete’s silence. He goes away, after a time, to the North, “dreaming of gold.” The woman, his wife, becomes head of Charlie’s establishment. The town booms. Pal Yachy arrives. He sings. Pete’s wife lured by the voice fears she may be untrue to Pete if he does not hasten to return. Pal Yachy offers a prize for the first child born on Mushrat.
Dramatic Climax: Pete returns. (See the scene in the eating place.)
Steps to Dénouement: He hears Pal Yachy singing to his wife. Outside of the cabin, he sees the singer near his wife, with the gold prize. The wife of Pete flings the gold clear of the bed. Pete enters; throws out Pal Yachy, and the gold after him.
Dénouement: Pete discovers his son. Pal Yachy goes, leaving the family united.
Details. Does the explanation of Rainbow Pete’s name tie itself up with a clue to the final action? (See page 310.)
Study the story for the musical effects: Pete’s flute, Pal Yachy’s singing.
Is there a resemblance in any way to the opera, “Pagliacci”? Is the result of the voice similar to the effect of Chautonville’s singing? Are there other instances of the power of music superior to the one of the sirens?
What suggestion is bound up with the idea, “Gold lies at the foot of the rainbow”? Has the author handled it skillfully?
Compare this story with film productions, which you have doubtless seen, of the North Country. Wherein lies the popular success of such photoplays as those in which William S. Hart appears?
With Rainbow Pete’s point of vantage outside his cabin, compare that which the narrator enjoys in “Ching, Ching, Chinaman,” when he looks under the window-shade into the room (Page 455, Yearbook, 1917). Has Ommirandy a similar good post? (See “The Silent Infare.”) Find other instances. What contribution does such a physical point of view make toward the vividness of the picture?