Why is the place of emphasis (the end) given to the finding of the two skeletons?
What are the chief sound effects? Are they in harmony or contrast?
General Views of Mr. Kline. He thinks Mr. Braithwaite is right. “The only test of a short story is, ‘Has the writer something interesting to say, and does he say it in a manner to interest me?’” (See, by way of comparison, Mr. Donn Byrne’s statement.) Mr. Kline further believes that the great writers have never had to thrash the air with “plot”—“from Hawthorne and Poe and Bret Harte, from Balzac and Gautier and Maupassant, from Tolstoy and Turgenev and Dostoievsky, down to our own O. Henry.” According to his statement and illustrations, how is he probably considering the word plot? What difference is there between plot invention and plot presentation? Does De Maupassant show skill in arranging the plot order in “The Necklace”? What would have happened to the story had he not created the surprise? What would be the loss in these stories of O. Henry had he not carefully constructed his plot—“The Gift of the Magi,” “A Double-Dyed Deceiver,” “The Furnished Room”?
Mr. Kline thinks that the only way to learn to write is to write and keep writing, under wise and kindly criticism of course. And he adds that if one can be severe and honest enough one’s own criticism is best. “To be a real writer, one must master himself, master the world, and master his art.”
IN THE OPEN CODE
Plot.
Initial Impulse. George Roberts, freight engineer, drinker and fighter, on the way to ruin and discharge, falls in love.
Steps toward the Dramatic Climax: He passes every day the home of his sweetheart and toots his whistle in a musical code fashion, “to let her know he’s safe.” The whistle has a softening effect on a crowd of woodsmen, engaged in restoring a Virginia manor house and grounds. “The world seemed a bit better for it.” The signal ceases. The cynics say the engineer is probably drunk again. But one of the men, Gordon, makes a special trip to the village to find out.
Dramatic Climax: The engineer and the girl, he learns, are married; they are away on their honeymoon.
Steps to the Climax of Action: The signal is resumed farther along the line, where the engineer and his wife have set up a home of their own. For three weeks the signal is faithful; then it ceases, again, abruptly. After four days Gordon goes again to the village. Just as he returns, the men hear the signal fainter and farther away.