Luke Baldwin's vow

Luke Baldwin's vow

by Morley Callaghan

POINT OF VIEW

The point of view of the author is omniscient limited because:

-the author told the story in the third person (they, she, he, it, ect). For example, in the story it says "He began to dream of some day being as wise as old Mr. Kemp and knowing exactly how to handle people."

-We know only what Luke knows and the reader is allowed into some thoughts about Luke's loneliness and his imaginary world with Dan in the beginning. "Luke was never lonely when the dog was with him. There was an old row-boat that they used as a pirate ship, and they would be pirates together, with Luke shouting instructions to Captain Dan..."

RESOLUTION

After much hesitation, Uncle Henry finally agreed to the proposition because it will teach him responsibility. Luke then makes himself a vow to always have money on hand to protect what is valuable from the practical people in the world.

RISING ACTION

THEME

INCITING FORCE

-Be SELFLESS.

1. Luke was sent on a bike ride to buy cigars for his uncle and Sam Carter.

2. Although, he then had a bad gut feeling and turned around, heading back to the river.

3. Luke saw Sam Carter and the dog in a row boat where the water goes deep. He notices the collie with a rope around his neck.

4. Sam dropped the rope and stone that would soon be used to sink and drown Dan.

5. As soon as the millhand went out of sight, Luke dove into the water to save his dog.

-Do what it takes to protect the ones you CARE for.

-MAN and DOG friendship.

Luke got lonely and began to build an imaginary, secret life for himself and his dog, Dan.

MAN VS MAN

In this story, the conflict was when Uncle Henry believed that, since the dog was getting old and useless, it'd be best to end it's life. Obviously Luke opposed.

CHARACTERS

FALLING ACTION

The dog wasn't breathing so Luke was obligated to perform CPR until all the water drained from his lungs.

Luke Baldwin (Protagonist) : Somewhat lonely but responsible 12 year old boy with blonde hair. His best friend was his old dog Dan that he would do anything to protect.

1. Luke didn't feel comfortable going straight home so he went to see his neighbor, Mr. Kemp, for advice.

2. Mr. Kemp offers a practical proposition to pay Luke seventy-five cents a week to bing in the cows for him. He then would give the money to his uncle for the dogs keep.

INTRODUCTION

Uncle Henry (Antagonist) : Luke's father figure. A friendly, successful and practical man that was admired by all his neighbors. He owned a sawmill with 4 workers. "Always learn the essential facts, son" he says.

-Luke lives on a farm by a river with his uncle, who he looks up to.

Sam Carter: Uncle Henry's friend.

Aunt Helen

born February 22nd, 1908

died in August, 1990

Dan the Dog

Possible unknown words

-Takes place on Luke's uncles farm. It is in the past around the mid 1900's because that's when farms and sawmills were well known.

-Sawmill: A factory where logs are sawed into lumber.

-Collie: A sheep dog.

-Luke's social condition was a lonely boy in an average income family.

-The mood started with an everyday feeling of life on a farm, on a sunny day. It was a little bit sad since it describes his fathers death.