STARTING POINT. “Somewhere I read in the summer of 1917 a reference to
a legend of either a poor saint living as a hermit or a holy abbess
(I can’t really remember which) who entertained a company of horsemen
one night. In the morning the field where the horses had grazed was
untouched and the realization came that a troop of angels had been that
way. I am sorry not to be more definite as to this source.
“Washington and the war are wholly of my own invention, and the miracle
of the meadow grass became incidental as I wrote the story, which I had
at first planned to call ‘The Green Meadow.’ As to the actual processes
of invention I should say no one can quite explain the least important
of them.”--_Harrison Rhodes._
CLASSIFICATION. On concluding “Extra Men” if a reader asks, “What
is its purpose?” he will reply in substance, to his self-query: “To
convey the thought that spirits of our heroic dead support the boys
at the front.” Theme is dominant. “I cannot say that I believe in the
supernatural or miracles,” Mr. Rhodes states, “but I believe the story
of ‘Extra Men’ to be essentially and symbolically true.”
PLOT. Plot sinks, therefore, into comparative insignificance. A single
incident serves to convey the truth. Whereas the miracle of the meadow
grass might have been the chief event, its purpose here is rather that
of a detail, substantiating the visit.
CHARACTERS. The spirit of George Washington is the main character
of the incident. Since, however, it is fitting that the past be
subordinated to the present (in conformity with the author’s purpose),
the old lady is introduced previous to the story-action, and is,
therefore, the main figure of the entire narrative.
Notice the suggestive method used in identifying the spirit of
Washington--nowhere is he openly named. For example, he speaks of
Arlington, “the house which once belonged to a relative of mine”; and
says elsewhere, “You would not now know Valley Forge.”
Mrs. Buchan was favored with the visit not by accident. The motivation
for it is unobtrusively and perhaps even unconsciously conveyed, but
none the less with potence. How has the author enlisted sympathy for
her.
What is the rôle of young Buchan? Is there a reason for his
name--“George”?
What plot value has Al Fenton, “the farmer”?
SETTING. The scene is important, since nowhere else could the action
have occurred with equal fitness. “The quaint name” of the hamlet at
once calls up the historic episode of Washington crossing the Delaware.
ATMOSPHERE. The realistic mood of the story contributes to its power of
conviction.