The Invalid's Story

Twain once wrote to his frequent editor and friend William Dean Howells that “fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water” (Twain, Mark. “Letter to William D. Howells, February 15, 1887.” The Letters of Mark Twain, Volume 4, 1886-1900. Project Gutenberg). Consider this statement in light of “The Invalid’s Story.” What elements in Twain’s work might appeal to “everyone,” and why? What makes his statement ironic today?

Consider Twain’s “The Invalid’s Story” alongside another one of his humorous short stories, such as “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” What parallels exist between the characters, structures, and stylistic choices? What larger point do these similarities make?

Trace the function of the storm throughout the story. How is it personified? How does it serve as an antagonist, and why?

What purpose do strangers serve in the story? Why might Twain have chosen to make the characters who mix up the boxes and the character who places the cheese in the train car faceless and nameless?

Consider the dialogue, description, and actions of the narrator and Thompson. How would you describe their relationship?

Why might the author have chosen to paraphrase most of the narrator’s dialogue in phrases such as “I said it was a good scheme” (Paragraph 29)? How does this affect the story?

What details in the story might now be considered obsolete? Which elements are still relevant for modern readers, and why?

Is the supposed corpse a character in the story? Why or why not?