Report Essay, Research Paper
According to Henry James, characters are only as interesting as their responses to
particular situations. The character s response in the two short stories I have chosen is the
reason I chose them. In Jack London s To Build A Fire and Edgar Allen Poe s The
Tell-Tale Heart the character s reaction to each situation leads the reader to read more to
find out what happens next. It is interesting to read a story and not be able to predict
what the character will do in a given situation because it captures the reader s interest and
spurs them on to read more. Along with the suspense, the character s reaction in each
situation in these two stories determines the outcome of the overall story. The character s
response to each relating situation builds on each other, creating a domino effect.
In the Tell-Tale Heart the main character is a crazed madman, who is also the
narrator of the story. He begins the story by trying to convince the reader he is not mad,
but nervous, very nervous. He tries to prove he is not mad by how clever he plans out the
murder of the old man he lives with. He decides he wants to murder the old man to rid
himself of the old man s pale blue vulture eye because it sends chills up and down his
spine.
You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. But you should have seen
me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded–with what
caution–with what foresight–with what dissimulation I went to work. I
was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed
him (Poe 62).
For eight nights he cleverly snuck into the old man s room with great caution to
not arouse the man. It took him hours to get into the room; he was very patient. Each
1
night he would go in he would undo the lantern just enough so that a single ray would fall
on the vulture eye. Every time the vulture eye was closed, thus he could not kill him
because he was not mad at the man, only his vulture eye. After the eighth night of his
carefully entering the old man s room he repeated the same process as in the past seven
nights. This night his vulture eye was opened. He opened the lantern and it made a noise
causing the old man to rouse. He and the old man, both awake, were still for an hour.
I kept quite still and said nothing. For a whole hour I did not move a
muscle, and in the meantime I did not hear him lie down. He was still
sitting up in the bed listening;–just as I have done, night after night,
harkening to the death watches in the wall (Poe 63).
He finally could not take the suspense any longer and he leaped upon the old man and
suffocated him with the bed. After he covered his evidence, including the body, under
three floor planks he smiled gaily thinking his deed was complete. Detectives came
investigating a noise heard by the neighbors during the night. He led them through the
house, even to the room he committed the murder in, and bade them to sit on the very
spot. The reader is led to believe that he has gotten away with murder. His acute senses
got the best of him. He still heard the ticking, beating of the old man s heart. He drove
himself to plead guilty to the murder.
The reader is amazed at how cleverly he had planned and schemed to commit the
murder and cover up, but fell apart because of his insanity, which is what drove him to
murder in the beginning. His decision that the problem was the man s eye was the wrong
speculation as he noticed it was over acuteness of his senses. And now have I not told
you that what you mistake for madness is but overacuteness of the senses?– (Poe 63)
In Jack London s To Build A Fire the main characters are a man traveling on
the Yukon trail to meet his friends, who had gone another route, and his dog. The man
2
neglected to be reasonable to realize or anticipate the danger he was putting himself in. He
was traveling in unfamiliar weather conditions at 50 degrees below zero with 80 odd
degrees of frost and with a dog as his only companion. He was quick and alert in the
things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significance (London 118). The man
poked fun at the old man s advice from Sulphur Creek; to him he felt he was a tough,
masculine and wise man. His decisions in situations seemed wise and cautious and were
always the best way to him.
Empty as the man s mind was of thoughts, he was keenly observant, and
he noticed the changes in the creek, the curves and bends and timber jams,
and always he sharply noticed where he placed his feet (London 120).
While traveling along the Yukon he was keenly aware of snow covered springs that ran
along under the snowy path and tried to shy away from them to avoid falling in them
which would leave him waist or body deep in freezing water. He almost slipped and fell in
once, leaving the reader in suspense and anticipation.
Things worsen as he keeps traveling on along the trail where more of those
covered springs are suspected. Making the dog to lead in front and keeping a watchful eye
were the only precautions he made to avoid other potential mishaps. By this point the
reader is aware of the man s macho attitude and only anticipates what will happen later in
the story. The reader can anticipate that something will definitely happen to this man. It
will either be that he freezes to death, he will suffer from severe frostbite, but still make it
to meet his friends, or he will fall into a covered spring and not be able to get out.
It finally happens, he falls into one of the snow covered springs. He falls in waist
deep, but is able to get himself out. He seems to have it all together when he finds himself
a place to build a fire and some tree limbs to start it with. The reader is relieved to know
that he has made it out and is on his way to safety. Then the narrator reveals that the
3
location he chose to build the fire and where he chose to get his tree limbs from was
underneath a snow covered tree which could dump all of its snow with any slight
movement. When the reader reads this he or she is aware that this man s battle is
downhill, but are challenged to read on to uncover what exactly happens to him. In the
end the man realized that the old man s advice from Sulphur Creek was right and that he
should have heeded it. You were right, old hoss; you were right, the man mumbled to
the old-timer of Sulphur Creek (London 128).
As I stated earlier the character s reaction to each situation encourages the reader
to read more and more, along with making the story build to a huge climax. Both of these
stories are great examples of this theme. If it were not for the madman in Tell-Tale
Heart strategically planning the murder of the old man and laying out the step-by-step
details of the event there would be no story. Also, if the man traveling the trail had not
been portrayed as wise and cautious and the scenery of the Yukon Trail had not been
painted so vivid in the readers mind the story would have had no meaning. Especially
when the man was walking around the water near the snow covered springs, the reader
would not have felt what the man felt when he surprisingly fell in the spring. The reader
could sense that he felt careless and ignorant at this mishap and even worse when he built
his fire under a snow covered tree. All of these descriptions of the character help us to
understand the character along with the detailed account of their thoughts and feelings.
4
Works Cited
London, Jack. To Build A Fire. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and
Drama (1995) : 117-129.
Poe, Edgar Allen. The Tell-Tale Heart. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry,
and Drama (1995) : 61-65.
314
Другие работы по теме:
King Henry IV And Joseph Strorm
: Archtypical Fathers Essay, Research Paper King Henry IV and Joseph Strorm: Archtypical Fathers An ideal father is one who is both caring and understanding. To fit this
Yahoo Essay Research Paper Yahoo rode the
Yahoo! Essay, Research Paper Yahoo! rode the bull market Thursday, primarily on the strength of a report by Lehman Brothers, which raised its recommendation on the stock to a “Buy.”
Queen Elizabeth And Henry VIII Essay Research
Paper She took over the position of England’s leader when her father Henry VIII died. She didn’t care one way or the other what every ones religion was. So she made Anglican the national
O Henry Essay Research Paper As Ralph
O. Henry Essay, Research Paper As Ralph D. Spencer strolled down the sidewalk, he knew of a few things he had to do. For he liked being Ralph Spencer and did not want to
Arch Bishop
– Becket Essay, Research Paper Before being named Arch Bishop, Becket found his pride in serving Henry and performing his duties as his Lord Chamberlain, all the while searching for his true honor and pride. He found them to be defending the honor of God and the Church after he became Arch Bishop.
Becket Essay Research Paper Summary of Becket
Becket Essay, Research Paper Summary of Becket by Jean Anouilh Becket is a movie that portrays the conflict of power between the throne and the church. It is the story of Henry II and his companion Thomas Becket. The movie begins by giving a brief summary of the history up to the point where the movie begins. This information is crucial to the understanding of the situation.
Henry Iv Essay Research Paper Henry IV
Henry Iv Essay, Research Paper Henry IV, A Look at a Machiavellian Ruler When looking at Henry IV while studying Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, one can see that henry was extremely Machiavellian in his ways. The Prince, written by Machiavelli, was written to guide a ruler in the key concepts of being able to have a kingdom that endures and to obtain and control and power in order to succeed during his reign.
The Red Convertible Essay Research Paper In
The Red Convertible Essay, Research Paper In the Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich, the main character Henry loses his hold on reality. The story takes place in North Dakota on an Indian Reservation where Henry lives with his brother Lyman. Henry and Lyman buy a Red Convertible that later in the story illustrates Henry?s lack of ability to stay sane.
Henry IV Essay Research Paper The father
Henry IV Essay, Research Paper The father and son relationship is one of the most important aspects through the youth of a young man. In Shakespeare?s play Henry IV, he
Henry Cabot Lodge Essay Research Paper Henry
Henry Cabot Lodge Essay, Research Paper Henry Cabot Lodge Henry Cabot Lodge was an American diplomat. He was born on July 5th 1902. He was born in Nahant Massachusetts. He did alot for our country so in the next few paragraphs I will tell you about Henry Cabot Lodge and some of his accomplishments.
Stuff Essay Research Paper Draft ReportCollege Prep
Stuff Essay, Research Paper Draft Report College Prep. Eng. 4-19-99 Drafting A draft or, conscription, is a system of copulsory enrollment of men and women into the armed forces. Conscripts are not the some as volanteers,
A Battle Into Adulthood Red Badge
Essay, Research Paper A Battle for Adulthood Throughout the novel The Red Badge of Courage, written by Stephen Crane, a theme is portrayed within a battle that takes place during the Civil War. It is that each person must find the courage to win his or her won battle for maturity or adulthood. A soldier, who is also the main character, Henry Fleming, exemplifies this theme.
Henry VIII By William Shakespeare 15641616 Essay
, Research Paper From the start, this play seemed scourged. It closed after its debut because a fire burned down the theater where it was being performed. Critics have lambasted Henry VIII for its lack
The Terrible Trins Essay Research Paper What
The Terrible Trins Essay, Research Paper What the book is about: The book is about a mother mouse named Dolly and three baby mice named Thomas, Richard and Henry. Together they try to defeat the cats in the farmhouse where they live. The mice are taught by their mother on what not to get into like mouse traps and poison.
Red Badg Of Courage Essay Essay Research
Paper Henry Fleming was just a child when he entered the army. Even though his journey into manhood took a while, he finally got where he was headed . This journey included many people and things, that help Henry along the way.
Fighting On Two Fronts- Henry Fleming In
Red Badge Of Courage Essay, Research Paper “Fighting on Two Fronts”: Henry Fleming in Red Badge of Courage The Civil War forced many young boys out of childhood and into adulthood. Most of these young boys were not prepared for war, and Henry Fleming was one of these boys.
Henry David Thorea Essay Research Paper Henry
Henry David Thorea Essay, Research Paper Henry David Thoreau conducted an experiment, living simple, and peaceful in a small cabin that he built himself. The observations about nature, the importance of the individual, value of a simple life, and more relevant today, as environment abuses multiply, the pressure to consume increases, and the pace o life continues to speed up.
The Red Badge Of Honor Essay Research
Paper Book Report The Red Badge of Courage By Stephen Crane The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane (1871-1900) is the story of a young man named Henry Flaming (The Youth). The book happens in a forest, where the troops move from place to place. The meaning of the tittle The Red Badge of Courage means a wound that the main character receives in battle.
Henry Ford Essay Research Paper Option 1
Henry Ford Essay, Research Paper Option 1 The naming of the school is an important decision. Think about an important person for whom a new school should be named write to
Henry Ford Essay Research Paper Transportation has
Henry Ford Essay, Research Paper Transportation has become a major necessity in today’s society. Without the industrial revolution introducing the automobile, most people would find it very hard and frustrating to get around. Henry Ford had become a big part of starting this faster and safer “transportation era”.
Henry Foyal Essay Research Paper Henry Fayol
Henry Foyal Essay, Research Paper Henry Fayol’s Principal of management Fayol was a key figure in the turn-of-the-century Classical School of management theory. He saw a manager’s job as:
Expository Essay On A Farewell To Arms
Essay, Research Paper Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms, the protagonist, Frederic Henry is both dysfunctional and tragic. Throughout the story Henry lives up to this
The Courtship Of Miles Standish By Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) Essay, Research Paper Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was brought up as a New England aristocrat steeped in European culture. His works,
The Life Of Sir Thomas More Essay
, Research Paper The Life of Sir Thomas More Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478. His life is chronicled in historic writing. He was well schooled and very self-disciplined. His accomplishments throughout his life were, and still are, amazing. More was liked and respected by many.
Luke Essay Research Paper Baldwins s Vow
Luke Essay, Research Paper Baldwins s Vow Luke Baldwin’s Vow is a story written by Morley Callaghan. It is a story about the vow Luke makes. In this essay I will tell you about the good and bad things that Luke goes through.
Civil Disobeiance Essay Research Paper Civil
Civil Disobeiance Essay, Research Paper Civil Disobedience Civil disobedience is the refusal to obey civil laws. This refusal is in the form of nonviolence. People who use civil disobedience are usually protesting a
Characterization Of Uncle Henry Essay Research Paper
Characterization of Uncle Henry This characterization of Uncle Henry focuses on the two main ways that he is portrayed in “Luke Baldwin’s Vow.” These two ways are: what Morley Callaghan, the author, reveals through the narrator and what other characters say about Henry. In this short story, Henry is usual referred to as Uncle Henry because he is Luke’s uncle.
Patrick Henry Fight Against The Constitution Essay
, Research Paper Although Henry refused to serve on the Constitutional Convention, Madison needed Henry’s persuasive ways. Henry had a way to make people agree with his ideas. Even though Henry didn’t serve on the Constitutional Convention, he was still present to put in his word. As soon as the meetings opened, Henry began to argue against the Constitution.
Henry James Essay Research Paper Asesyan 1Son
Henry James Essay, Research Paper Asesyan 1 Son of the religious philosopher henry James, Sr., and brother of the psychologist and philosopher William, Henry James was born in New York City, April 15, 1843. His early life was spent in America; on and off he was taken to Europe, especially during the impressionable years from twelve to seventeen.
The Randle Report Essay Research Paper The
The Randle Report Essay, Research Paper The Randle Report, by Kevin D. Randle explores UFO research in the1990’s. In reading his book I have gained much knowledge of how to determine whether
Volcanoes Essay Research Paper My Report is
Volcanoes Essay, Research Paper My Report is on Volcanoes. For a starter, I have a lay out of the plan for my report. Also I would like to follow a volcano in it’s path. Right now here is part of my report.
Henry Viii Essay Research Paper Henry VIII
Henry Viii Essay, Research Paper Henry VIII was king of England (1509-1547), and the founder of the church of England. He was the son of King Henry VII he influenced the character of the English monarchy.