The Duel

IN that instant, the young lord turned his head sharply round, fixed upon his adversary a ghastly stare, and without a groan or stagger, fell down dead.

‘He’s gone!’ cried Westwood, who, with the other second, had run up to the body, and fallen on one knee beside it.

‘His blood on his own head,’ said Sir Mulberry. ‘He brought this upon himself, and forced it upon me.’

‘Captain Adams,’ cried Westwood, hastily, ‘I call you to witness that this was fairly done. Hawk, we have not a moment to lose. We must leave this place immediately, push for Brighton, and cross to France with all speed. This has been a bad business, and may be worse, if we delay a moment. Adams, consult your own safety, and don’t remain here; the living before the dead; goodbye!’

With these words, he seized Sir Mulberry by the arm, and hurried him away.

From ‘The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’, by Charles Dickens
Précis
Lord Frederick Verisopht and Sir Mulberry Hawk fired at the same time, but only Sir Mulberry’s shot struck home; Lord Frederick died instantly. At once, the seconds bustled Sir Mulberry away to exile in France. Lord Frederick was left to lie where he had fallen, so that there would be no trouble with the police.
Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Who won the duel?

Suggestion

It was won by Sir Mulberry Hawk.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Lord Frederick fired at Sir Mulberry. Sir Mulberry fired at Lord Frederick. Sir Mulberry’s shot hit Lord Frederick.

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