What is the leading idea of the poem? The effect which the reading of a story by Dickens produced in a Western mining camp.
1. The scene of the incident. Stanzas I-III. 2. The reading of the story. Stanzas IV-VII. 3. A lament for the death of Dickens. Stanzas VIII-X.
How does the description of the scene, as given in stanza I, differ from that given in stanza II? Stanza I gives the background and the remote surroundings, while stanza II places us in the midst of the camp.
What features give the story a romantic setting? The stately "pines", the singing "river", the "slowly drifting moon", the snow-capped mountains.
From the description in the first stanza, give as clear a picture of the location of the camp as possible. It was situated on the edge of a cañon in the Sierras, towering pines rising round about, the river flowing noisily beneath, and the mountains uplifting their snow-covered peaks in the distance.
Explain the comparison suggested in the last two lines. The mountain summits, with their everlasting snows, resemble in the distance the minarets, or lofty tapering towers, attached to Mohammedan mosques.
Which is preferable, "minarets of snow", or "snow-covered peaks"? The former, because it is a more unusual expression and because of what it suggests.
Why is the camp-fire represented as a rude humorist? It causes faces and forms that are haggard and care-worn to appear fresh and healthy, thus playing a grim jest upon those gathered round it.
Explain the significance of "fierce" in the last line. In the mad rush for gold, all the worst elements of man's nature are brought to the surface--disregard for the rights of others, contempt for law and order, and even carelessness with regard to human life.
Consider the fitness of the words "rude", "painted", "race", as used here.
What indicates the value that the owner places upon this book? The words "treasure" and "hoarded" suggest that it is one of his most highly prized possessions.
What suggests that this is not the first time the story has been read in camp? The word "anew".
How does the poet indicate the absorbing interest that the story has for these men? He says the fascination is so great as to draw the attention of these rough miners even from their card-playing. Explain "listless leisure".