1. Humor in nineteenth-century American literature is often based on the character of the shrewd Yankee, who typically lacks formal education and lives by his or her wits. Compare Stockton's novel with Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. How do these novels compare in their use of the "Yankee" character?

2. Stockton has been accused by critics of creating narrators who are too detached from the action of his stories.

Can this be said of Mr. Craig? How does his detached perspective add to or detract from the plot of the story?

3. Critics argue that one of the effects of novels of travel and adventure is to reinforce the value and appreciation of home. Is this Stockton's position? How does Stockton comment on the values of home by removing his characters to an uncivilized island?

4. Much of the appeal...