THE PURPLE STAR
Mrs. Rebecca Hooper Eastman, a magazine writer of distinction, lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her father, the late Dr. Hooper, was for many years president of the Brooklyn Institute.
The judgment of his peers proved fatal to the glory of Charley Starr. Miss Prawl, the sixth-grade teacher, learned, too, with surprise, that if one is a dutiful child who neither disobeys nor deceives, he thereby lessens his opportunity to achieve the heroic. The literalness of Theodora and her zealots destroys any romantic impulse to make reckless synonymous with brave. One is reminded that the youthful escapades which brighten the biographies of certain national heroes—always making notable exception of the Father of Our Country—would not have met the rigorous demands of Theodora’s approval. The conclusion is obvious: it is difficult to become a hero and at the same time retain all the virtues—particularly the much-desired charity. And who would be judge? Let the order of the Purple Star be abolished!
Suggested Points for Study and Comment
1. What is the author’s purpose in writing this story?
2. What are the chief points of interest, besides this well-defined purpose?
3. Are you satisfied with the outcome of the story? Could you suggest any other way of meeting the problem?
4. Do you find the characters real? Is Theodora typical?
5. Why is it necessary to make character and setting somewhat subordinate?
6. Do you like the introduction? What is the basis of its charm?