- What means does the author employ to lead naturally into the story of romantic adventure?
- What is the advantage of introducing two ordinary people in the very beginning of the story?
- What is the character of Prunier?
- How do Prunier's peculiar characteristics aid the story?
- How does the author indicate Prunier's way of speaking?
- Why is the entire story not told in dialect?
- How does the author present the setting of the story?
- What part does the dog play in the story?
- What part does superstition play?
- Point out the three or four most exciting parts of the story.
- Explain how the characters are saved from threatening dangers.
- In what respects is the story a narrative of contest?
- Why is the narrative divided into two sections?
- Why are the two ordinary people mentioned throughout the story?
- What part does religious faith play?
- In what respects is the second part of the story more intense than the first part?
- What is the character of the sister?
- What is the character of the brother?
- How does misfortune turn into blessing?
- How is the climax made emphatic?
- What did Prunier omit?
- Point out the most romantic episodes in the story.
- Point out the most realistic touches in the story.
- What noble qualities does the story emphasize?
- How does the story affect the reader?
SUBJECTS FOR WRITTEN IMITATION
| 1. Prunier's Return | 11. Prunier's First Moose |
| 2. The Brother's Adventures | 12. Why Prunier Lived in the North |
| 3. The Story of the Shipwreck | 13. The Sister's Return to Civilization |
| 4. The Mutiny of the Crew | 14. In Prunier's Hut |
| 5. Prunier's Boyhood | 15. The Strange Visitor |
| 6. How Prunier Obtained Pierre | 16. The End of the Wolves |
| 7. Prunier's Longest Journey | 17. Prunier Tells Another Story |
| 8. Why Prunier Was Superstitious | 18. The Sister Tells a Story |
| 9. The Rescue of Pierre | 19. The Fate of the Deserters |
| 10. How Prunier Lost a Companion | 20. Prunier's Last Day |
DIRECTIONS FOR WRITING
In the introduction of your romance use familiar scenes, events or characters that will lead naturally to a narrative of startling events. Say enough to indicate the setting of your story and to make it a vital factor in producing effect but do not write any long-drawn descriptions or explanations. Let your characters tell the story and present its setting.
Make all the action hinge on worthy effort, and contribute to awakening respect for the characters. Tell a series of most unusual events. In telling every incident make full use of suspense and of climax. Tell the incidents in such a way that one will lead naturally to another.
Your story will produce the most startling effect if you show your hero apparently defeated but able, at the last moment, to find a means of escape from danger.
Keep your story true to human nature, and to the best ideals of human nature.
THE DIDACTIC ESSAY