The following questions will discuss The Californian’s Tale. I look forward to
hearing your arguments.
1-Write
sentences or phrases taken from the story that indicate Henry’s deception.
2-In general,
how did the author depict the role of women at that time beyond keeping the
house tidy and neat?
3-Why do you
think the end is heartbreaking? Add other adjectives to describe it.
4-List Mark Twain’s
style when comparing him with other authors.
Answer for question 3:
ResponderEliminarI think the end is heartbreaking not only knowing that Henry's wife is dead but also knowing that Henry's self-deception. Henry is lying to himself that his wife is not dead.
Another adjective to describe the ending is surprising. I think it is a surprising ending because I never expected that his wife is dead as I read the story although there were strange details about his wife.
Strenghthen on there were strange details about his wife.
ResponderEliminarStrange details for instance every time when Henry reads the letter, his friends will cry. Another detail is that Henry worry too much on waiting his wife to come on Saturday.
EliminarQuestion #2
ResponderEliminarWhen the narrator is invited to go into the house his eyes could not ignore the differences between miners' houses and Henry's house. Women can keep a house tidy but there will always be a delicate touch of them there and the narrator recognized it. The role of women at that time was giving birth, take care of the house when men were working but the author shows us that the women's presence is more than touches, decorating, or design. The role of women was based on the tranquility and happiness that they could cause at home. Henry was desperate to see his wife at home, he couldn't control himself without her. To be alone was bad for his health. All the characters missed the women's presence, Henry's friend said "the girls are gone" with quite melancholy.
Linelis Rodriguez
Answer for question #2:
ResponderEliminarThe role of women at the time beyond being housewives is depicted as some women had that feminine touch that always gave any place that sense of confort and decoration as Henry's wife was a collector of many objects from many cultures and when the Narrator saw them it was an eye candy for him.
I agree with you Linelis. Excellent comment.
ResponderEliminar''Henry's wife was a collector of many objects from many cultures''. List examples, please
ResponderEliminarSure, we have for example: china-ware bowl and pitcher, a china dish, china vases, war pictures from the Eastern, and soft Japanese fabrics.
EliminarGreat. Good examples.
ResponderEliminar