THE KNIGHT’S MOVE
Classification. A “problem” story: the setting forth in the guise of fiction of this question, “Shall a man useful to society lay down his life for a social member far inferior to himself?” The problem is argued through the concrete instance, and by two characters.
Summary of the Instance. When the Argentina went down, Ferguson saved himself, rather than old Bronson or the Neapolitan peasant women and children. The world was the gainer by Ferguson’s survival. Later, Ferguson loved and became engaged to a girl. One day as they were out walking, they saw a bandy-legged, sore-eyed youngster dash upon the railroad track in front of a train. Ferguson could just have saved the youngster at the cost of sacrificing himself, and although he alone knew this, he allowed the girl to understand that he had made a choice. She “rounded on him,” and “spurned him in the grand manner.” Ferguson, loving the girl, died. He probably committed suicide, not because he had changed his own views, but because of assuming the girl’s view to be correct. “He couldn’t have admitted in words that she was right, when he felt her so absolutely wrong; but he could make that magnificent silent act of faith.”
Presentation. Ferguson’s story is given by Havelock to Chantry. Skill is evinced in so breaking the rehearsed narrative as to allow discussion at proper stages. The answers to the problem, supposed above, are in opposition. Herein lies the basis of the discussion, as of the struggle which Ferguson underwent.
Does the author in the presentation subtly convey her own attitude on the question? What is it? How does it emerge in her characterization of the men? In the final sentence of the narrative?
Setting. Why in the story of Ferguson does the author subdue setting? Why is the setting of the rehearsal emphasized?
Read in connection with “The Knight’s Move,” and for purposes of comparison, “Greater Love—” by Justus Miles Forman (Harper’s, April, 1908).
IN MAULMAIN FEVER-WARD
Starting Point and Fundamental Processes. “The starting point for ‘In Maulmain, Fever-Ward’ is in the first four words of the tale: ‘Flood time on Salwin River.’ Flood time! Then the flowers are rioting, the traders are coming in and of course all things else follow.