Short Fiction · Chapter
Out of Season explained
Peduzzi, a drunken local, persuades a young gentleman and his sullen wife to go trout fishing despite it being out of season.
What happens
Peduzzi, a drunken local, persuades a young gentleman and his sullen wife to go trout fishing despite it being out of season. The trio walks through Cortina, drawing stares, and stops for marsala. At the river, Peduzzi realizes they lack lead sinkers, so the young gentleman calls off the fishing. Peduzzi tries to arrange a future outing, but the young gentleman is noncommittal.
Themes in this chapter
Post-War Trauma and Alienation
Peduzzi, a former soldier, is alienated and drunk, struggling to find purpose; the young couple's disconnection mirrors post-war disillusionment.
Masculinity and Sexual Anxiety
The young gentleman's indecision and fear of authority contrast with Peduzzi's bravado, highlighting anxiety over masculine roles.
The Absurdity of Authority and Religion
The fishing ban and the characters' disregard for it, along with Peduzzi's empty confidence, underscore the absurdity of imposed rules.
Characters to notice
- Peduzzi
A drunken local who spaded the hotel garden; he leads the fishing trip and tries to ingratiate himself with the young couple.
- Unknown
The young gentleman, referred to as 'the young gentleman,' who is hesitant and uncomfortable with the illegal fishing.
- The girl
The young gentleman's wife, called 'Tiny,' who is cold, sullen, and critical of her husband's indecision.
Key passages
“On the four lire Peduzzi had earned by spading the hotel garden he got quite drunk.”
Peduzzi spent his meager wages on alcohol, becoming intoxicated.
Establishes Peduzzi's poverty and drunkenness from the outset.
“The young gentleman looked at the stream discoloured by the melting snow. 'I know,' he said, 'we'll get some piombo and fish tomorrow.'”
The young man decides to postpone fishing due to the lack of lead sinkers, despite Peduzzi's protests.
Shows the young gentleman's reluctance and the breakdown of the plan.
“'I may not be going,' said the young gentleman, 'very probably not. I will leave word with the padrone at the hotel office.'”
The young man backs out of the planned fishing trip, leaving Peduzzi's hopes dashed.
Highlights the young gentleman's indecision and Peduzzi's disappointment.