Charles Dickens: Revised Paragraph

The Devon School during the winter session has a somber tone. During the winter session, the Devon school is unhappy because of strictness. The rules at Devon are much more stricter in the winter session than the summer session. Also, the teachers are much more harsh. For example, at the Crew House, Gene and Quakenbush get in a big fight. Gene falls into the river. Mr Ludsbury says:

"Just one moment, Forrester, if you please."... "Has there been

a cloudburst in your part of town?" "No, sir. I'm sorry, sir, I fell

into the river."... "And could you tell me how and why you fell into

the river?"... "I think you have slipped in any number of ways

since last year"

Gene responds to Mr Ludsbury by repeating the word "sir". Mr Ludsbury and every other teacher at Devon should be referred to as "sir". The words "I'm sorry" shows that all teachers at Devon must be respected. This shows that Devon and all the teachers at Devon are very strict. When Mr Ludsbury says "one moment", he is lying. Mr Ludsbury asks Gene many questions that are not necessary and have already been answered. Mr Ludsbury takes more than just one moment to investigate Gene. When Mr Ludsbury says "any number of ways" and "last year" he knows that Gene has gotten wet more than once in the past. In the past, when Gene got wet, he would not get in trouble. Mr Ludsbury is a strict teacher because he will not let Gene off the hook, easily.