THE SQUIRE
ELSIE SINGMASTER (Mrs. H. Lewars), a Pennsylvanian by birth and residence, has been writing at more or less irregular intervals ever since her first story was published in Scribner’s Magazine twelve or thirteen years ago. Her reputation has been largely won by her sympathetic portrayal of the Pennsylvania Dutch character.
How adequately, how finally, a person can be characterized by his own conversations, all the principals in this little Millerstown drama demonstrate. Weakness, crudeness, selfishness, speak out their own existence. And, to shine by contrast in the midst of all this pettiness, is the figure of a man who makes the title 'Squire' mean what it has meant to certain English townships, and whatever more comes from responsibility assumed without force of precedent or hope of recompense.
Suggested Points for Study and Comment
1. What are the elements which produce the atmosphere of crudity that stands for Millerstown? Could any description of the town produce a like effect?
2. Would it have detracted from the story if Stemmel had been more elaborately portrayed?
3. How is the solution of the case prevented from appearing melodramatic?
4. Would the Squire’s sacrifice have gained or lost power if Adam and Sula were less irresponsible?
5. How do the Squire’s actions correspond to the tradition of his title? How different are they from what might have happened in a like situation in England?