THE BIG STRANGER ON DORCHESTER HEIGHTS
The Starting Point. Mr. Pentz states, regarding the story and its inception, “Substantially true in fact, it was told and retold to appreciative friends; then it was written at their suggestion. Probably it gathered moss during its latent existence and probably something was lost....”
Technically, the story is an Incident. It has, however, an underlying significance elevating it above the Incident type. This significance becomes manifest in the dénouement, which reveals the influence of Lincoln.
Presentation. The story is told by the omniscient author, who uses Paul’s “slant.”
Setting. South Boston, March, 1860. Point out details which keep the locality before the reader from beginning to end. Why 1860, rather than 1861 or 1862?
Plot. The plot being slight requires only a clear exposition of events in natural order. The author has made use of his one chance to create suspense and utilized it in holding up the name of the Big Stranger. One suspects, but is not sure until the last words.
Character. The main value of the story lies in its description of Lincoln, both in the words of the author—from Paul’s angle—and by what the great man says and does. Which is more forceful?
Mr. Pentz’s prescription for a story is brief: “Having the material write it out.” He believes, further, in the use of simple language. “The average reader must not be sent to the dictionary; it divides the interest and weakens the effect. A writer should eliminate his personality altogether; what he may know of other languages, or of intricate English, will not interest a reader who is busy with a villain in pursuit of the heroine. ‘The play’s the thing.’”