In every story try to find indications of the author’s theories about fiction or Art in general. For instance, in “Feet of Gold”: “Naturally, since all of us are artists, we seek the Truth through Beauty”; etc. (p. 309).
Characters may be described by the author. This, the so-called “direct” method, is not in reality so direct or vivid as the so-called “indirect” method. By the latter a character reveals himself through act, speech, gesture; he is also portrayed by what others say about him, and by their reactions toward him.
What difference exists in spirit, mood and tempo between the stories marked, respectively, by the direct and the indirect methods?
By how many stories are you attracted at the beginning? Does the drawing power lie in character, suggested action, the picture of a setting, the mood or atmosphere, in some bit of philosophy, or other appeal?
Do any of the stories fall below expectation first aroused? Why? How many fulfill the initial promise?
Which have the best endings? How many of these seemed inevitable from an early stage of the action? How many might have had diverse endings, altogether? How many might have used different incidents for the close, with the same general effect?
Which of the narratives seem to you most artistically representative of life?
According to the localities represented by these authors, try to arrive at the “short-story center” of the United States.
In the following studies, try to enter constructively into the processes indicated. Otherwise the exercises will lose part of their value.