The celebrated Jumping of Calaveras County


This story writing by Ward shows his expedition of finding the sister of his favorite author Simon Wheeler and his friends. It gives detail of the emotions Ward for takes and detail of his time with Wheeler’s relatives. Ward’s enthusiasm with Wheeler’s life is embarked through his writing. It tells of glamour, gamble, and childhood reminisces.

“Fat and bald headed, and had an expression of winning gentleness and simplicity upon his tranquil countenance (MT1)”. This quotes reveals how shocked the narrator was when he came upon Wheeler. It wasn’t the realization that he was there, but that he was not as Ward believed he should fit. Also, Wheeler being Ward’s idol should look as noble and good as his writing, which he didn’t. This comes to realism that all images in mind don’t come as together perfectly as they should in life.

“He never smiled..he never changed his voice..he never betrayed the slightest enthusiasm(Mt1)”.The quote reveals that Wheeler’s personality wasn’t the nicest imagined either. The repetition of “he never” shows Wheeler didn’t much have a sense of humor and he thought what he was saying was important. This brings the fact of logos and the emotions of the friendship and the two could make a bond. In this case it isn’t so for the share nothing in common and bare the same personality.

“He would bet on anything—the dangest feller (MT1)”. The quote shows the hidden life of Wheeler and his habits. This related to social realism dealing with problems and lifestyle unseen to the public. In a result being exposed to the people for feedback and response.