NOTES AND QUESTIONS
For Biography, [see page 424].
Discussion. 1. Does Irving describe Wouter Van Twiller directly or indirectly? 2. What conclusion are you led to concerning Wouter’s mentality, despite the author’s statements to the contrary? 3. Describe Wouter’s appearance in your own words. 4. Do you think the author is more inclined to state facts, or to imply them? Prove your point through the paragraphs dealing with the Dutchman’s behavior during the council meetings. 5. What was the only decision that Wouter ever reached? 6. Do you think Irving uses any of the following methods for developing the humor of the tale: exaggeration, sarcasm, irony? Or do you think the humor lies in the way he relates with great seriousness facts that are obviously ridiculous? 7. What do you think is the most amusing incident or description in the sketch?
Phrases
- [under the commission and control, 547, 3]
- [transparent firmament, 548, 1]
- [amorous ditties, 548, 3]
- [successively dozed away, 548, 10]
- [vaporing, superficial pretender, 548, 19]
- [nobly proportioned, 549, 1]
- [stupendous dimensions, 549, 5]
- [infallible index, 549, 15]
- [lesser magnitude, 549, 20]
- [fabricated by an experienced timmerman, 550, 2]
- [deliberation of extraordinary length, 550, 18]
- [point of authenticity, 550, 23]
- [example of legal acumen, 551, 1]
- [losel scouts, 552, 9]
AMERICAN WORKERS AND THEIR WORK
