Narrative Analysis of a Cottage Story

The narrator recalls his time prospecting in California, encountering deserted homes and pioneers. He meets Henry, who lives in a well-kept cottage, and learns about Henry's anticipation for his wife's return. As the community prepares for her arrival, the narrator discovers the tragic truth: Henry's wife was captured by Indians years ago, and Henry's mind has been affected ever since. The community supports Henry by reenacting the preparations annually.

What was the narrator doing 35 years ago in the Stanislaus region?

• Writing a book

• Building a cabin

• Mining for gold

• Visiting family

What happened to the once populous towns in the region?

• They were rebuilt

• They were abandoned

• They were destroyed by a fire

• They became tourist attractions

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

• They were newly built

• They were deserted

• They were being renovated

• They were occupied by new families

How did the narrator feel upon entering the well-kept cottage?

• Disappointed

• Confused

• Indifferent

• Delighted

What did the man show the narrator in the bedroom?

• A picture of his wife

• A family heirloom

• A collection of books

• A map of the region

When was the man's wife expected to return?

• Saturday morning

• Sunday afternoon

• Friday evening

• Saturday evening

Why did the narrator decide to stay?

• He had no other place to go

• He wanted to help with the preparations

• He was curious about the man's wife

• He was waiting for a friend

What did the friends do when they arrived?

• They started a fire

• They read a letter from the wife

• They cooked a meal

• They played music

What was the main activity planned for Saturday night?

• A fishing expedition

• A hunting trip

• A dance party

• A storytelling session

What tragic event happened to the man's wife?

• She was captured by Indians

• She fell ill and passed away

• She was lost in a storm

• She moved to another town