Is there sufficient suggestion that Bewsher’s story is connected with that of Masters to justify initial interest in Sir John’s narrative? (See the dénouement of Burnaby’s.)
Where did you receive a hint that Masters is identifying himself with Morton?
The Heart of the Whole Story: Masters’ Story. Notice that Mr. Burt recognizes, as all artists do, the various climaxes of the narrative. This is indicated in what Sir John calls “high lights.”
The Initial Impulse (The “first high light”): Morton’s plan to cultivate the friendship of Bewsher.
Steps toward Dramatic Climax: The importance of himself comes home to Morton (“The second high light”). “The third did not come until fifteen years later” (Bewsher has been in India; Morton, in a Banking House in London): Morton desires a wife, luxury, and social standing. Bewsher turns up; he and Morton fall in love with the same girl. Bewsher leads, but he needs money. The “third high light,” then, after fifteen years, is Bewsher’s supplication. Morton makes him a rich man, but does not promise to keep him so.
Dramatic Climax: Bewsher forges a check, and hands it to Morton in part payment of his indebtedness. Morton subsequently shows the check to the girl and then burns it before her eyes. He thus wins her, not aware that her heart is broken. Bewsher disappears.
Climax of Action: “The fourth high light” Morton marries the girl.
Dénouement: He suffers the realization that he can never be a gentleman; he has learned that the girl does not love him.
What statement of Sir John indicates a recognition of the turning point in the rivalry between him and Bewsher? Show that this outer or external dramatic climax is the counterpart of the “third high light.”
Dénouement of the Enveloping Narrative: After Sir John and his wife motor away, Burnaby explains the relations between the real and the fictive characters. What is the significance of his appellation, “timber-wolf”?