Theme model 16

Theme-model XVI.— THE CHARACTER SKETCH.

Theme-model XVI. combines narration, description, and exposition, and will answer as a model for character sketches from both books and life. This sketch gives more opportunity for action and variety than does the character study in section 153, because it adds to it narration and the general reflection. Any novel or play in the list of col¬lege entrance requirements may be made to furnish subject-matter for this theme by selecting from it a character to be discussed according to this plan.

The Selection Used as a Model.

Theme- model XVI. is derived from Hawthorne's The Old Apple Dealer. Before we analyze this selection it should be read rapidly, and the following questions upon it answered : Where did Hawthorne see the Old Apple Dealer? What are the author's conjec¬tures in regard to the past of the Apple Dealer? What general thought is suggested by his life and character ?

Theme-model XVI. in Outline.

The Old Apple Dealer should be reread with the following • outline in mind. - The student will observe that narration is used in the first and fifth paragraphs, - description in the second, third, fourth, and sixth, and exposition in the seventh. The paragraph num¬bers here do not refer to the paragraphs of the selection, but to those of the theme to be written on this model.

First paragraph — the situation.

Second paragraph — the description of place. Third paragraph — the description of personal appearance.

Fourth paragraph — the description of character. Fifth paragraph —retrospective narrative.

Sixth paragraph — the description of mode of life. Seventh paragraph — a general reflection.

Theme-model XVI. in Reproduction.

Care should be taken to make the descriptions in the following exercises effective by using the minor devices already studied, when this can be done without making one's work seem forced. Exercises

I.	Write and give orally a reproduction of The Old Apple Dealer according to Theme-model XVI. . Observe that this, like the traveler's sketch in section 251, is an "I story." Number the para¬graphs in your text and use Situation-type I.

Situation—Find material in paragraphs 1 and 3. Description of place —Use Fundamental Device VI. , showing the effect of light. Find material in paragraph 3. Description of personal appearance— Use Fundamental Device IX, obverse description. Find ma¬terial in paragraph 2. Description of character —Write two paragraphs, taking for the fundamental quality in one, colorlessness ; in the other, restlessness. Find material in paragraphs x, 4, xo (first part), and 12. Retrospective narrative in dialogue — betiveen the nar¬rator "I" of the story and the Apple Dealer. Invent details merely suggested by what is here given. Find material in paragraphs 2, 8, and 9. Description of mode of life —Find material in paragraphs 6 and 7..) General rejection— Find material in paragraph 13.

II. Reproduce according to the directions given in Appendix II., section 7, Burroughs's A Taste of Maine Birch.