1. “The Child by Tiger” p. 625 Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938) By
(First published in 1937)

2. Thomas Wolfe http://library.uncwil.edu/wolfe/wolfe.html
Major modern American novelist
Also had many short stories published in magazines
Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina

3. Thomas Wolfe Wrote four autobiographical novels
Look Homeward, Angel, published in 1929, was first
Of Time and the River, the second, was published in 1935

4. Types of Conflict Plot Person vs. person Person vs. self
Person vs. nature
Blacks vs. whites
Blacks vs. blacks
Whites vs. blacks
Whites vs. whites

5. Movement of Action Exposition Complication Climax Denouement
Dick Prosser is introduced.
Complication
The boys see the rifle.
Climax
The manhunt takes place.
Denouement
Spangler reflects from a distance.

6. Both natural and man-made
Setting
Both natural and man-made
Man-made Setting (hostile)
Town’s social and economic structure based on white dominance over blacks.
Jobs
Homes
Parallels Wolfe’s hometown of Asheville, NC
Natural Setting (hostile)
Snow storm

7. Protagonist=Dick Prosser
Characterization
Protagonist=Dick Prosser
Round character
Man of superior abilities
Highly religious
Often in situations that are an affront to his human dignity
Constantly suppressing emotions
Experiences indiscriminate outbreak
Antagonist=white society

8. Title and Pt. of View
Title
Refers to Blake’s poem and the contrasting of innocence and savagery in the human soul
Point of View
First person singular told from Spangler’s viewpoint

9. Looting of Cash Eager’s place Dick’s physical description
Symbolism
Snow Storm:
Foreshadowing of trouble
Violence of storm parallels violence of human actions
Covering of white snow symbolizes white dominance
Looting of Cash Eager’s place
Mob mentality
Animal lust
Dick’s physical description
red eyes
paw (hand)
removal of shoes at end

10. Theme
Both violence and evil exist in the human soul alongside gentleness and goodness.
Like all other aspects of nature, human nature has two sides—one beautiful and orderly and one repulsive and chaotic.

11. Like “The Most Dangerous Game,” this story has suspense, violence, and surprise.
Artistic unity, however, makes it more credible, complex, and significant.
The conflicts comment on the character, geographical area, and spirit of the times.