6. Read the Introduction and see what Bret Harte added to the idea of the short story. Does it apply to this story?
Feathertop, A Moralized Legend
1. What do the words "moralized legend" mean? What is the moral of the story?
2. This is a fanciful story. Do you like it as well as "The Gift of the Magi" or "A Reward of Merit" in which there are real people?
3. Does Hawthorne show his personality and boyhood training in this story as much as Mr. Garland showed his in "A Camping Trip"? (See biographical sketches.)
4. What do you think was the word that Feathertop whispered in Mr. Gookin's ear?
5. Which do you think more difficult to write, a story wholly from the imagination like "Feathertop," or one from experience like "A Camping Trip"?
The Red-Headed League
1. Do you think this a good detective story? What makes it better than the cheap ones you perhaps have bought at the news stands?
2. What do you know about Sherlock Holmes? (See biographical sketch of Conan Doyle.)