English 102
Assignment and Directions:
Use the notes below to write 900 word essay on the Swede’s conflict in “The Blue Hotel.”
Your paper must include:
A MLA Works Cited page with the following sources,
“Pity and Fear in ‘The Blue Hotel'” by Walter Sutton
“Seeing and Not Seeing in ‘The Blue Hotel'” by Hollis Cate
“The Hero as Victim” by Harold Beaver
“Stephen Crane’s Use of Figurative Language in ‘The Blue Hotel'” by J.F. Pierce
At least one In-Text Citation of each of these sources.
The Swede experiences a number of different conflicts in Stephen Crane’s short story, “The Blue Hotel.” The Swede is in conflict with society (Romper), the Scullys, and the Easterner. This paper will examine each of these conflicts.
First, the Swede is in conflict with society (Romper). In the opening lines of the story, Crane sets the stage for this tension. “But to the citizens of this prairie town, and to the people who would naturally stop there, Pat Scully had performed a feat.” According to Crane, people from the Eastern part of the United States clearly see the absurdity of the Palace Hotel, “But” the people of Romper view the monstrosity as a modern “feat.” [Remember that the Swede is an Easterner, so he sees Romper clearly. You must complete this paragraph by commenting on Romper’s view of the Swede and the gambler. Do not retell the story.]
Second, the Swede is in conflict with the Scullys. [Use details from the story and the “Helpful Notes on ‘The Blue Hotel’” in the Week 1 Canvas module to comment on the tension between the Swede and the Scullys. Do not retell the story.]
Third, the Swede is in conflict with the Easterner. When the Swede appeals to the Easterner, “They say they don’t know what I mean,” the Easterner betrays the Swede and replies, “I don’t understand you.” But according to Crane, the Easterner says this without emotion, or “impassively.” [Use details from the story and Canvas module notes to complete this paragraph on the Swede’s conflict with the Easterner.]
In conclusion, Stephen Crane’s short story is filled with conflict. Each of the characters are deeply conflicted individuals. However, none of them are as conflicted as the Swede. He is in conflict with society (Romper), the Scullys, and the Easterner.
