Presentation. Who tells the story? Has he any part in the action? How does the narrator bridge over the long passage so as to secure emphasis on the story action?
Characterization. How many times does the narrator refer to Old Tom’s scratching his ribs? Is the repetition of an act, emphasis on a habit, a sound method of character delineation? Is it too “easy”?
What idea do you form of Tom from his speeches?
How does his animosity to Spike serve to portray him?
By what means does the narrator elicit from the reader sympathy for Spike? How does he hold it?
Study the picture and the character of the mission girl.
Atmosphere. Try to define the mood or feeling of the narrative. What influence has Fate in creating the atmosphere? Study the contribution toward the atmosphere in the dramatic forecast on page 165. How is this forecast properly subdued? Has the superstition of sailors a dramatic value? How is the setting made contributory to the atmosphere?
RAINBOW PETE
Setting. Mushrat Portage. The setting is of unusual importance, since nowhere else, probably, would the action be possible.
Characters. The woman employed at Scarecrow Charlie’s; Rainbow Pete; Pal Yachy; minor persons. Who is the narrator? Has he an acting part in the story?