The Big Stranger on Dorchester Heights
Blanche Colton Williams’s study examines “The Big Stranger on Dorchester Heights” as a slight-plot Incident whose larger significance emerges in its dénouement through the influence of Lincoln. She considers the story’s factual starting point through Mr. Pentz’s account of its oral retelling and later composition, then identifies its omniscient narration and use of Paul’s perspective. The analysis directs attention to the South Boston setting in March 1860, the reason for that date, and recurring local details. It also explains how suspense depends on withholding the Big Stranger’s name, evaluates Lincoln’s characterization through narration and action, and quotes Pentz’s views on simple language, readerly clarity, and subordinating authorial personality to the play of the story.
By Blanche Colton Williams · First published 1919 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Literary Analysis, Literary Essay · 336 words
First lines
THE STARTING POINT. Mr. Pentz states, regarding the story and its inception, "Substantially true in fact, it was told and retold to appreciative friends; then it was written at their suggestion. Probably it gathered moss during its latent existence and probably something was lost...."
Technically, the story is an Incident. It has, however, an underlying significance elevating it above the Incident type. This significance becomes manifest in the dénouement, which reveals the influence of Lincoln.
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — Evaluates the story’s significance, characterization, and effects of its narrative choices.
- Literary Analysis — Breaks down construction through starting point, presentation, setting, plot, and character.
- Literary Essay — Combines interpretive guidance with quoted statements about the writer’s craft principles.
Tags
Blanche Colton Williams · The Big Stranger on Dorchester Heights · Mr. Pentz · Lincoln characterization · omniscient narration · Paul’s viewpoint · South Boston · March 1860 setting · Incident story type · withheld identity suspense · dénouement · simple language
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The Big Stranger on Dorchester Heights is listed on Textopian as an essay by Blanche Colton Williams, dated 1919 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Blanche Colton Williams
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Literary Analysis, Literary Essay
- Length: 336 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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