Narrative Analysis of a Cottage Story

In 'The Californian's Tale' by Mark Twain, a prospector in California encounters a man named Henry living in a well-kept cottage. Henry speaks fondly of his absent wife, who is expected to return soon. However, it is revealed that she has been missing for 19 years, and Henry's friends maintain the illusion of her return to preserve his sanity. The story explores themes of loss, hope, and the passage of time.

What was the main activity of the narrator in the deserted mining town?

• Fishing

• Hunting

• Prospecting

• Farming

What happened to the once populous region described in the story?

• It was flooded

• It turned into a desert

• It became a bustling city

• It became a solitude

What was the condition of the cottages along the dusty roads?

• Deserted

• Under construction

• Destroyed

• Newly built

Who were the occupants of the solitary log cabins?

• New settlers

• Original gold miners

• Farmers

• Tourists

What was the narrator's impression of the well-kept cottage?

• It was luxurious

• It was haunted

• It was lived in and cared for

• It was abandoned

What did the man attribute the home's decoration to?

• His own efforts

• His wife's work

• A local artist

• A professional decorator

What did the narrator discover in the cottage that was significant?

• A hidden treasure

• A photograph

• A secret room

• A diary

What was the man's expectation regarding his wife?

• She would return soon

• She was lost

• She was never coming back

• She was ill

Why did the narrator decide to stay longer at the cottage?

• To rest

• To explore the area

• To meet the man's wife

• To help with chores

What did the neighbors do upon their arrival?

• Brought gifts

• Started a fire

• Read a letter

• Cooked a meal