I'm a Madman – Sherwood AndersonQuestion 1Anderson tells the story, "I'm a Madman," through the voice of his main character: The Heist. The narrator's voice enhances the story because his language reinforces his character. The document says he "received [his] education," not at college, but by working in the stables, traveling with Burt and going to horse races. When he refers to people as “dudes” (83) and uses phrases like “the bitterest” (81), he confirms this fact. Uses improper grammar and lots of slang; his language shows that he is ignorant and disadvantaged. The narrator calls himself a fool for trying to impress Miss Wessen; his lack of foresight has led him to become someone richer and more important than he actually is. The limits of comprehension and comprehension of the heist are revealed through his inconsistent and long-winded narration. The swipe story, combined with the way he tells it, reveals that he is an ignorant and immature person. The narration provides a direct presentation of the character of the scroll; he brazenly labels himself an ignorant “fool” (89). The narrator provides an indirect presentation of the swipe; readers understand him through his language and through his processes. Question 2 Swipe is ambivalent in his attitude towards education and social distinctions. Initially, the blow wants to have nothing to do with education. He believes that “kids” who “go to high school and college…know absolutely nothing” (82). The shot received his education in stables, races, and saloons; he is not interested in being properly educated. Swiping also ignores social distinctions. He hates people who dress up to "put on... airs" (83). He despises people who don't steal, drink, or swear. When he meets the Wessens and Miss Woodbury, Swipe's opinions change. He describes Wilbur Wessen as a “nice guy” and the “guy who maybe goes to college” (84). Miss Elinor Wessen is "the kindest girl" who "could speak the correct grammar" (84). The blow begins to admire these educated people. The shot begins to want to be more like the Wessen than the ones it was previously associated with. During dinner, he is so happy that his mother “made him learn to eat with a fork at the table” and that he is not “loud and rude like a band you see at a racetrack” (88). Shot begins to appreciate his education and have regard for social distinctions.