1a. How does the narrator "dope" himself asleep as a boy?
2a. How well does Commander Lowell play golf?
3a. How successful is Commander Lowell in business?
4a. Analyze the narrator's attitude toward his father.
5a. How does Commander Lowell see himself?
1b. Why do you think the narrator is so intrigued with French generals?
2b. Why is it important for the narrator to show that his father plays golf so poorly?
3b. What does the Commander's failure at business lend to his characterization?
4b. Why does the narrator's mother grow "suspicious"?
5b. If you were the narrator, would you be proud of your father? Why, or why not?
Slant Rhyme. What examples of slant rhyme did you find in the poem?
Characterization. Complete the following chart to describe the character of Commander Lowell. One example has been done for you.
blue serge jacket and white ducks; dress sword with gold braid
How does the poet create the character of the Commander?
1. Imagine that you are the narrator as a boy. Write a journal entry detailing your observations of your parents' behavior and emotions.
2. Imagine you are a reporter for the weekly newspaper at Mattapoisett. Write an obituary for Commander Lowell. You might want to read several examples of obituaries in your local newspaper before you begin.
3. Imagine that you are a former fellow naval officer of Commander Lowell. Write him a letter advising him how to regain control of his life.
Concrete and Abstract Nouns. Rewrite the following sentences. Star (*) the concrete nouns and denote the abstract nouns with a plus sign (+).
1. Her voice was still electric / with a hysterical, unmarried panic...
2. Long-nosed Marie Louise / Hapsburg in the frontispiece / had a downright Boston bashfulness...
3. Poor Father, his training was Engineering!
4. With seamanlike celerity, / Father left the Navy, / and deeded Mother his property.
5. In three years / he squandered sixty thousand dollars.
Resumé.Write a resumé for Commander Lowell, including his experiences in the Navy and in business. You will need to invent the names of the companies he worked for and other details.
