Question

1. Consider both Hamlin Garland's "The Return of a Private" and Mark Twain's "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" as works of regionalist fiction. In a response of at least two paragraphs, compare and contrast these stories as examples of regionalism. How are they similar? How are they different? Be sure to include specific details and examples from both stories in your response.

Answer 1

In Hamlin Garland's "The Return of a Private", the setting of the story was done in Mid west America particularly Wisconsin. The clothing, landscape and dialect used presented native colours to the audience. This story elaborates more about the Midwest America’s culture and beliefs.

Mark Twain's "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras Country' story also occurred in Midwest America. The difference is that Mark Twain’s story compared the East and West cultures. This story is more of cultural and beliefs comparison between the two regions, East and West America.

Answer 2

"The Return of a Private" is a story by Hamlin Garland. The story describes a Civil War soldier, Private Smith, who left his farm "to fight for an idea." Upon his return, he faces a life of economic hardship and injustice in Wisconsin. Although the vision is quite bleak, the Private enjoys some occasional happiness when he spends time with his fellow veterans and his wife and children.

On the other hand, in "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain, we learn about a group of men in a tavern in California. They talk about a man named Jim Smiley who trains animals in order to win bets.

The two stories are examples of regionalist fiction because they both discuss the realities of specific regions in the United States. Moreover, both stories employ literary devices such as dialect and diction in order to convey what the people of the area are like. However, while Twain's story is mostly positive and fun, Garland's story is political and it provides a social criticism on the working conditions of these rural areas.