THE BUNKER MOUSE
Conditions which Preceded Composition. First, Mr. Greene’s profession—that of engineer; second, an acquaintanceship with two Irishmen having characteristics which suggested Larry and Dan; third, several hours in the hold of a freighter, immediately before writing the narrative, on a voyage down the Eastern Coast.
Plot.
The Struggle: This story is one of the best in the collections for exemplifying the struggle element. There are two main conflicts: that between Dan and Larry, and the struggle between man’s wit and power against the fury of the elements.
Initial Incident: What is the impulse that sets the story in action?
Steps toward the Dramatic Climax: Mark the principal stages toward the turning point in the action. Is the struggle against the storm or the one between Dan and Larry the prevailing interest?
Dramatic Climax: Observe the proximity of the two turning points. Page 299, “the first hope came ... there was a ‘feel’ ... that ribs and beams and rivets were not so near the breaking-point.” And page 300, “Larry had fallen!” Show that each event is the dramatic climax, for the individual lines, and that the close succession means an increased dramatic effect for the whole narrative.
Steps toward the Climax of Action: Name the important stages, observing that the author has achieved a master-stroke in his moment of ease. After the hardship of the struggle, comes the period of rest. See page 305, “At five o’clock a Port Eads pilot climbed over the side,” etc.
Dénouement: The dénouement reveals a relationship which may be, or not be, a surprise to the reader. Does it matter whether the surprise exists? To what conclusion does your answer point in regard to the value of a “surprise ending”?
Is the dénouement satisfactory?
Did you learn from the clues in the first scene, between Larry and Mary, more than the author intended?
Wherein do you find the preparation for the accident which does for Larry? (See pages 289 and 290.)
What is the worth of the minor climax, page 295, where the two struggles reach corresponding points?
Characterization. Make note of all the devices and methods by which the author draws sympathy to Larry. Show that the emotional reaction you experience arises directly from the concept of his character and his acts.
What are the dominant traits of Dan? What is the purpose of the scene wherein Dan knocks out the stoker?
Originally, Mr. Greene called his character, Dan, by the name of Mike. Why did he accept the advised change?
Is the personality of Mary properly subdued? properly elevated? In connection with your answer, notice the value of having her introduced early in the action.
Who are the background characters? Do they usurp too much of your interest?
Details. What is the length of the action?
Is the business on pages 297 and 298 too technical for a layman’s comprehension? If so, can one, nevertheless, apprehend sufficiently to derive pleasure from the recountal? To what effect do the various mechanical appliances and parts contribute?
Study all the details by which Mr. Greene has conveyed the feeling of the big storm. Where is the first preparation for the fact that the incidents of this story will be connected with the time of the Galveston Flood?
How did Larry receive the appellation of The Bunker Mouse? Why is the episode told out of its chronological place? Are any other important incidents presented out of their time order?
From whose angle is the story told?
Intensifying worth of the sentence?—“So’s a trout; but it’s got a damn poor show against a shark” (page 289).
Reason for this statement of the author?—“I wanted to say that Dan purred like a tiger, but it was a jungle figure, and of course I had to give it up.”
Point out instances of the author’s keeping the reader aware of locality.
Show how the mood or feeling is harmonized with the plot, which is itself one of complication wherein the stages of the two main struggles are kept beautifully parallel.