In the first sentence, what does the narrator seem to be looking for in the visit to this town? Does she find it? How do you know?
In the first paragraph, what kinds of sensory imagery are used to describe the home of Mrs. Todd? How does the use of such imagery help to capture the description of this particular region?
In the description of the herbs at the beginning of the second paragraph, how does the reference to things “in the forgotten past” and that “might have once belonged to sacred and mystic rights, and have had some occult knowledge handed with them down the centuries” help to place this story in a particular time and space?
What place does Mrs. Todd seem to serve in this community? How do you know?
At the end of the fifth paragraph, the narrator writes, “I frankly told her that I could no longer enjoy the pleasure of what we called ‘seein’ folks.’ I felt that I was cruel to a whole neighborhood in curtailing her liberty in this most important season for harvesting the different wild herbs that were so much counted upon to ease their winter ails.” What does this passage show about the value of relationships and community in this town?
The dialogue written for Mrs. Todd is an example of dialect, common with local color writers such as Sarah Orne Jewett. What do you notice about the dialect written for Mrs. Todd? How does the use of such a dialect help you connect with the people and places in this story?
In the first sentence, the narrator seems to be looking for something specific in the visit to this town, but it is not explicitly mentioned what it is. However, the tone suggests a curiosity and interest in discovering something unique or special about the place. It is not clear whether she finds it or not, as the story does not mention the outcome of her visit.
In the first paragraph, sensory imagery such as "the scent of sweet-fern" and "the song-sparrow's morning hymn" is used to describe the home of Mrs. Todd. This use of imagery helps to capture the description of this particular region by painting a vivid picture of the natural environment and invoking a sense of place and atmosphere. Through the sensory details, the reader can imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the region.
The reference to things "in the forgotten past" and "some occult knowledge handed with them down the centuries" in the description of the herbs at the beginning of the second paragraph helps to place this story in a particular time and space. It suggests that the town has a rich history and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This adds a sense of mystery and depth to the story, and implies that the events take place in a place where traditional knowledge and practices still hold significance.
Mrs. Todd seems to serve as a respected and knowledgeable figure in the community. This is evident from the way she is described as an authority on herbs and their medicinal properties, and how the townspeople rely on her knowledge to ease their winter ailments. The narrator also mentions that Mrs. Todd "knew just which roots to gather," indicating that her expertise is valued and trusted by the community.
The passage about the narrator's decision to stop "seein' folks" and curtailing Mrs. Todd's liberty in harvesting herbs shows the importance of relationships and community in this town. The narrator feels guilty about her actions, recognizing that the community relies on Mrs. Todd's knowledge and that her absence would be a loss to the neighborhood. It suggests that the well-being of the community and the support they provide to each other is highly valued.
The dialect written for Mrs. Todd reflects the local speech patterns and vernacular of the region. It has a distinct rural and informal quality to it, with colloquial expressions and grammatical features common to the area. This helps to create a sense of authenticity and regional identity in the story, making the reader feel more connected to the people and places described. It adds depth and richness to the characters, making them feel more real and relatable.