Mark Twain: "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"
Characterization:
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Smiley: Twain uses humor and exaggeration in describing Jim Smiley, illustrating his obsession with betting anywhere and on anything: “he was the curiousest man about always betting on anything that turned up.” This characterization reveals Smiley's comical nature and relentless pursuit of gambling.
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The frog: The frog is central to Smiley's identity as a gambler. Twain describes it indirectly: Smiley's confidence in the frog’s jumping capabilities reflects his over-the-top expectations and adds to the comedic tension of the story.
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The dog: Smiley’s dog, referenced indirectly through the narrative, serves as a comparison for Smiley’s determination: “But still he was lucky, uncommon lucky; he most always come out winner.” This implies the dog likely mirrors Smiley’s characteristics of competitiveness and luck.
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The stranger: The stranger’s cool demeanor contrasts with Smiley’s exuberance. He enters the scene as an outsider, allowing for the development of the humorous climax as he tricks Smiley.
Setting:
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The town: Twain establishes the setting through the mention of “the dilapidated tavern in the decayed mining camp of Angel’s,” which reflects the rough, rugged atmosphere of the western frontier and evokes a sense of nostalgia.
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The saloon: The saloon is both a literal and metaphorical space for the story's unfolding events. The description of Simon Wheeler dozing by the stove creates a vivid image of a relaxed, leisurely environment: “I found Simon Wheeler dozing comfortably by the bar-room stove.”
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The race: The race context creates tension and excitement, central to Smiley's character. The description brings visualization of the community and atmosphere: the anticipation of a frog jumping competition.
Plot:
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Exposition: The story opens with a frame narrative that establishes the context of the inquiry into Leonidas W. Smiley.
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Rising Action: The rising action builds with Simon Wheeler’s long, unbroken narrative about Jim Smiley’s betting habits, culminating in the introduction of the frog bet.
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Climax: The climax occurs when the stranger tricks Smiley by filling his frog with quail shot, leading to the unexpected defeat of Smiley's frog in the race against the stranger's frog.
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Falling Action: The falling action unfolds as Smiley’s realization dawns on him, providing a moment of comedic irony and realization of his gullibility.
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Resolution: The story concludes with Simon Wheeler's unperturbed demeanor, creating an ironic distance as he continues reminiscing, leaving the narrator’s quest for Leonidas W. Smiley unfulfilled.
Edgar Allan Poe: "The Raven"
Characterization:
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The narrator: Poe creates a deep sense of despair and obsession within the narrator, illustrated through his feelings of despair for his lost love, Lenore: “And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.” This imagery connects his psychological state to the setting.
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The raven: The raven symbolizes the persistent nature of grief and despair, epitomized through its repeated utterance of “Nevermore,” which encapsulates the torment that shapes the narrator’s mental decline.
Setting:
- The room: The setting is claustrophobic and laden with a sense of gloom. Poe crafts an atmosphere of tragedy and a somber reflection through descriptions of the midnight hour: “And each separate dying ember writhed upon the floor.” This imagery enhances the oppressive nature of the narrator’s sorrow.
Plot:
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Exposition: The poem begins with the narrator’s sense of loss, setting a dark, somber tone and revealing his grief over Lenore: “While I pondered, weak and weary.”
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Rising Action: The rising action consists of the narrator's encounter with the raven, whose presence begins to deepen his despair as he questions its meaning and the nature of his grief.
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Climax: The climax occurs with the raven’s response “Nevermore,” marking a turning point in the narrator's realization of the permanence of his loss.
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Falling Action: The falling action follows as the narrator grapples with the implications of the raven's words and his spiraling madness.
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Resolution: The poem concludes with a haunting acceptance of futility as the narrator contemplates his undying sorrow, affirming his descent into despair.
Comparison and Contrast
Language and Imagery: Twain's style in "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" is characterized by its humor, colloquial language, and a focus on character dialogue that brings the narrative to life, creating a vivid, local color. In contrast, Poe’s "The Raven" employs rhythmic and ornate language, crafting a more atmospheric quality, rich with symbolism and emotional depth.
Character and Setting: In Twain's work, characters are defined by their idiosyncrasies and the setting deeply roots them in a humorous anecdote about gambling culture. Conversely, Poe’s characters embody the profound exploration of psychological states, while the eerie room setting amplifies the mood of despair and introspection.
Plot Development: Twain structures his plot around humor and irony, keeping the reader engaged with light-hearted storytelling despite its unfolding complications. In contrast, Poe offers a tragic arc where the plot spirals into despair, drawing readers into the intense emotional experiences of sorrow and eventual madness.
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