_Initial Incident_: Rainbow Pete and the woman are married.
_Steps toward the Dramatic Climax_: Mushrat is disappointed at Pete’s
silence. He goes away, after a time, to the North, “dreaming of
gold.” The woman, his wife, becomes head of Charlie’s establishment.
The town booms. Pal Yachy arrives. He sings. Pete’s wife lured by
the voice fears she may be untrue to Pete if he does not hasten to
return. Pal Yachy offers a prize for the first child born on Mushrat.
_Dramatic Climax_: Pete returns. (See the scene in the eating place.)
_Steps to Dénouement_: He hears Pal Yachy singing to his wife.
Outside of the cabin, he sees the singer near his wife, with the
gold prize. The wife of Pete flings the gold clear of the bed. Pete
enters; throws out Pal Yachy, and the gold after him.
_Dénouement_: Pete discovers his son. Pal Yachy goes, leaving the
family united.
DETAILS. Does the explanation of Rainbow Pete’s name tie itself up
with a clue to the final action? (See page 310.)
Study the story for the musical effects: Pete’s flute, Pal Yachy’s
singing.
Is there a resemblance in any way to the opera, “Pagliacci”? Is the
result of the voice similar to the effect of Chautonville’s singing?
Are there other instances of the power of music superior to the one of
the sirens?
What suggestion is bound up with the idea, “Gold lies at the foot of
the rainbow”? Has the author handled it skillfully?
Compare this story with film productions, which you have doubtless
seen, of the North Country. Wherein lies the popular success of such
photoplays as those in which William S. Hart appears?
With Rainbow Pete’s point of vantage outside his cabin, compare that
which the narrator enjoys in “Ching, Ching, Chinaman,” when he looks
under the window-shade into the room (Page 455, Yearbook, 1917). Has
Ommirandy a similar good post? (See “The Silent Infare.”) Find other
instances. What contribution does such a physical point of view make
toward the vividness of the picture?