Classification. See classification of “The Survivors.” Here the elements all work toward unity of effect: even the thirty year period contributes to the same unity. It is even necessary to the working out of the penance. (Could it have been massed in such a way as to give the reader the same consciousness of retribution as it here conveys?) But the length of the action is not the length of the best short-story action.
“Penance” provides an interesting companion-piece to “The Survivors.” Notice that whereas in the former instance the initial incident was separated by the long space from the turning point of the action; here the plot is completed except for the fact that Buckingham’s understanding (the dénouement) comes after thirty years.
Plot. The initial impulse lies in Buckingham’s interest in Minnie.
Fill in the steps that follow immediately, culminating in
The Dramatic Climax: Minnie detains Buckingham.
Fill in the steps that precede
The Climax of Action: Buckingham loses the battle: the tide of war is turned.
Steps toward Dénouement: They consist in a summary of the penance. What contributory value has the idea “... she kept before his eyes the girl’s eyes” (page 292)? After thirty years he returns to the battlefield.
Dénouement: Buckingham learns of the trick to detain him.
Details. What is your opinion of Buckingham? By what methods did you receive the data on which you base it?