Setting. Why is an indefinite English village the best locale?
T. B.
General. Fannie Hurst is represented in three collections of “The Best Short Stories.” The reason lies in the facts that she is one of the skilled technicians of the time, one of the hardest workers—sparing no pains to achieve that sound structure and perfection of detail which only the seasoned artist knows how to achieve; that by narrative, which stands without emphasis of didactic or propaganda purpose, she yet manages to convey an idea much larger than the story itself, and that she has quite literally created a unique world of men and women who nevertheless in their behavior reflect a part of the myriad-minded and many-mooded contemporary life. Any one of the present stories will prove the truth of this assertion.
Starting Point of “T. B.” “The flint that struck spark for ‘T. B.’,” says Miss Hurst, “was the sight of a humpy looking girl standing before the window display of a Tuberculosis exhibit.”
Plot.
Initial Impulse: Sara Juke faints at the Hibernian Hop. How is this event prepared for in the finally developed story?
Steps toward the Dramatic Climax: Sara and Charley leave the hall. This stage is succeeded by others preparing for the counter-play and emphasizing the T. B. motif. They see the Tuberculosis exhibit, and visit it. The pink-faced young attendant gives Sara a circular. Sara fears the disease. She revisits the display. The attendant, Eddie Blaney, shows his interest, advising her to go to a clinic for examination. At Sharkey’s Sara tells Charley the doctor’s verdict. What obvious steps in the action has the author omitted, thus giving the reader the chance to help in constructing the story?
Dramatic Climax: Charley leaves Sara. (This climax is, of course, intensified by its juxtaposition to the doctor’s verdict; in fact, the two details together may be regarded as a double climax. Miss Hurst is one of the best authors to study for duplication of dramatic climax effect. See also, for example, “Ice Water.”)
Steps toward the Climax of Action: Eddie Blaney meets Sara and takes her to the country. (Has this step been prepared for duly? Why is it one not left to the reader’s imagination—that is, the engagement made previously?) Eddie encourages Sara, telling her she will be well by Christmas.
Climax of Action: (Deduced by reader.) How has Miss Hurst in the developed story suggested the inevitable ending?