# Frustration explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Daphne du Maurier.

## What happens

After a seven-year engagement, a young man finally marries his bride, but their honeymoon camping trip is a disaster: the tent collapses in the rain, their car is stolen, and they end up wandering lost to London. They find lodging in a suspicious boarding house, struggle to find work with opposite shifts, and face the harsh realities of poverty and separation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Frustration and Disillusionment

The couple's romantic expectations are shattered by a disastrous honeymoon, theft, and the reality of opposite work shifts.

### Marriage and Disappointment

The marriage begins with high hopes but quickly descends into hardship, separation, and unmet dreams.

### Class and Social Mobility

The couple's poverty and struggle for jobs illustrate the limited social mobility for young people without money or qualifications.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator (First Person)

The young husband who endures a disastrous honeymoon, loses his car, and takes a night porter job.

### The Woman

The bride who loses her wedding ring, finds a job as a daily companion, and faces the hardships of poverty.

### Austin Seven

The borrowed car that is stolen during the honeymoon.

### Darling

The affectionate term used between the husband and wife throughout the chapter.

## Key lines

> My hours are just the reverse. From seven until nine.

His work schedule is the opposite of hers, from seven in the evening until nine in the morning.

_The couple discovers they will be working opposite shifts, preventing them from spending time together._

> I don't believe a word of your story, but I won't turn you out this time of night.

The landlady is skeptical of their tale but allows them to stay out of charity.

_Highlights the theme of class and social mobility, as the couple is judged and distrusted due to their shabby appearance._

> Darling, I've got a job... I'm a night porter at a bank in Acton.

He finds work as a night porter, but the hours conflict with her daytime job.

_Emphasizes the frustration and disillusionment of their marriage, as they are physically separated by work._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_12_se/chapters/frustration
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_12_se/chapters