The Professor's House Lesson Plan

Describe how the form of the novel changes for the "Tom Outland's Story" section. Many readers have criticized Cather for this structural decision, while others have praised her. Explain how you feel about this section, backing up your argument with references to the text.

Students should be able to articulate how the novel abruptly shifts from third person narration focusing on St. Peter's life to a first person narration from Tom's perspective. The tone of the novel changes as well, since it is told in the informal, earnest voice of Tom. Students who are critical of Cather's choice will probably discuss how it is abrupt, fragmented, and confusing. They may argue that...