The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant

The narrator ignores most of the clues that Sheila’s personality is not compatible with his. Find at least three moments in the text where the narrator misses such a hint. Why doesn’t he pay attention? What does this say about him?

In what ways does the narrator use the river during his summer visits? What lessons does the river teach him?

The story’s title includes a fish, a river, and a girl. Assuming the fish and the girl are the two sources of conflict in the narrator’s mind, what is the function of the river? Does it take sides in the conflict?

How do Sheila Mant’s would-be suitors to try to impress her? Compare and contrast at least two approaches. What do they say about the boys who use them?

How does Sheila use the diving board to impress the boys? How does she use it to intimidate them?

By habit, the narrator drops a fishing line from his canoe into the water as he oars over to his date with Sheila. Consider how the story juxtaposes old habits with new experiences. Which turns out to matter most in the end, and why?

Why does the narrator regret his decision to let the giant bass get away? What lesson does he learn from that decision?

How does humor drive the story? Consider examples of humor in the plot, in characterization, and in tone.