A Gentleman of Leisure · Chapter
II: The New Pyramus and Thisbe explained
Jimmy Pitt and Arthur Mifflin walk home after Mifflin's successful stage debut.
What happens
Jimmy Pitt and Arthur Mifflin walk home after Mifflin's successful stage debut. Mifflin teases Jimmy about a mysterious girl he met on the Mauretania, though they never spoke. Jimmy confesses his infatuation and his uncertainty about love at first sight, while Mifflin jokes about the situation. The chapter ends with Jimmy falling asleep thinking about the girl.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Jimmy's infatuation with a girl he never spoke to explores the theme of love at first sight and romantic idealism.
Humor and Irony
Mifflin's playful mockery of Jimmy's romantic situation and the comparison to Pyramus and Thisbe add a humorous, ironic tone.
Characters to notice
- Jimmy Pitt
Jimmy is introspective and infatuated with a girl he saw on the Mauretania, though they never spoke. He discusses love and restlessness with Mifflin.
- Arthur Mifflin
Mifflin is a successful actor who teases Jimmy about his romantic predicament and offers advice. He is portrayed as witty and supportive.
Key passages
“Who is she, Jimmy?”
Mifflin asks Jimmy about the girl he is thinking about.
Mifflin is curious about Jimmy's romantic interest.
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Jimmy asks Mifflin if he thinks it's possible to fall in love instantly.
Jimmy is questioning his own feelings for the girl he saw on the ship.
“I can't see myself settling down.”
Jimmy expresses his inability to commit to a stable life.
Jimmy reflects on his restless nature and how it affects his view of love.