THE CITIZEN
Classification. A thematic story: dreams and ideals are the real power. The ideal citizen is also emphasized. Classed more directly, the work is a paean of patriotism.
The Outer Setting. An audience of two thousand foreigners who have just been admitted to citizenship.
The Characters. Ivan, Anna, his wife, and the speaker—the President of the United States.
How is the President characterized? How is Ivan contrasted with him? How related to him?
Has Anna real place in the action?
The Presentation. The real story is recounted after the climax has been implied. Ivan and Anna are here. One knows the Dream has been made real, and reads to see how it all came about.
The Plot. The dream of freedom, liberty, motivates Ivan’s determination to come to America. He and Anna successfully struggle to save money for the voyage. The actual journey to America constitutes something of a struggle, in itself, for the poor ignorant peasants. But they are upheld by the dream, and are victorious.
Details. Compare the episodes of the Russian police and the American police.
What can you say about the style as related to the theme?