The Portable Phonograph

by Walter Van Tilburg Clark

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The Portable Phonograph Questions and Answers

The tone and mood of the setting in "The Portable Phonograph"?

What is the purpose of the men's meeting? Why does the author compare the unwrapping of the book bundle to a ceremonial rite?

In the short story "The Portable Phonograph," why does the author mention or allude to Shakespeare and the Bible? How do Shakespeare and the Bible relate to the story, and what is their significance?

Discuss the conflict in "The Portable Phonograph."

What are the themes in "The Portable Phonograph" by Walter Van Tilburg Clark? How does it connects to our lives?

In "The Portable Phonograph," which books are "on the inside of the bed, next to the wall"?  

What is the atmosphere of "The Portable Phonograph"?

What is suggested by the quote "We are the doddering remnants of a race of mechanical fools" in "The Portable Phonograph"?

Why do the men listen to the music?

What is "The Portable Phonograph" about?

Why was the value Art important to the men? In the time this book took place, was Art something everybody would value/have?

In Walter van Tilburg Clark's short story "The Portable Phonograph," what does the setting reveal about the doctor or the conflict?

What is the setting of "The Portable Phonograph"?

Why didn't the other characters have any names? Why do you think their names weren't mentioned?

In Walter Van Tilburg Clark's short story "The Portable Phonograph," to what extent do the first three paragraphs establish the tone and atmosphere of the work?

What are three significant things the four men brought with them?

The first three descriptive paragraphs of Walter van Tilburg Clark's short story "The Portable Phonograph" are loaded with adjectives. What do most of these adjectives contribute to the establishment of setting and, in turn, mood?

How many times is four of something mentioned in "The Portable Phonograph"?