Conditions which Preceded Composition. First, Mr. Greene’s profession—that of engineer; second, an acquaintanceship with two Irishmen having characteristics which suggested Larry and Dan; third, several hours in the hold of a freighter, immediately before writing the narrative, on a voyage down the Eastern Coast.
Plot.
The Struggle: This story is one of the best in the collections for exemplifying the struggle element. There are two main conflicts: that between Dan and Larry, and the struggle between man’s wit and power against the fury of the elements.
Initial Incident: What is the impulse that sets the story in action?
Steps toward the Dramatic Climax: Mark the principal stages toward the turning point in the action. Is the struggle against the storm or the one between Dan and Larry the prevailing interest?
Dramatic Climax: Observe the proximity of the two turning points. Page 299, “the first hope came ... there was a ‘feel’ ... that ribs and beams and rivets were not so near the breaking-point.” And page 300, “Larry had fallen!” Show that each event is the dramatic climax, for the individual lines, and that the close succession means an increased dramatic effect for the whole narrative.
Steps toward the Climax of Action: Name the important stages, observing that the author has achieved a master-stroke in his moment of ease. After the hardship of the struggle, comes the period of rest. See page 305, “At five o’clock a Port Eads pilot climbed over the side,” etc.
Dénouement: The dénouement reveals a relationship which may be, or not be, a surprise to the reader. Does it matter whether the surprise exists? To what conclusion does your answer point in regard to the value of a “surprise ending”?
Is the dénouement satisfactory?
Did you learn from the clues in the first scene, between Larry and Mary, more than the author intended?