# II: “On Saturday, Three Days Ago.” explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

## What happens

Rudolph Miller waits nervously for his turn at confession, struggling with shame over his sins, particularly those involving immodest thoughts and desires. During confession, he lies about never telling lies, then later invents an alter ego, Blatchford Sarnemington, to escape his guilt. He resolves to avoid communion the next day by a subterfuge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rebellion and Nonconformity

Rudolph's internal rebellion against religious guilt and his creation of an alter ego to escape his identity.

### Ambition and Disillusionment

Rudolph's aspiration to be Blatchford Sarnemington, a noble and triumphant figure, contrasted with his disillusionment after lying in confession.

## Character check-ins

### Rudolph Miller

The penitent struggling with confession and his invented alter ego Blatchford Sarnemington.

### Father Schwartz

The priest hearing confessions, including Rudolph's.

## Key lines

> He must try now with all his might to be sorry for his sins—not because he was afraid, but because he had offended God.

Rudolph forces himself to feel genuine remorse for his sins, aiming to convince God of his sorrow rather than just fearing punishment.

_Illustrates Rudolph's internal struggle with religious guilt and sincerity._

> Blatchford Sarnemington was himself, and these words were in effect a lyric. When he became Blatchford Sarnemington a suave nobility flowed from him.

Rudolph imagines himself as Blatchford Sarnemington, a glamorous and noble alter ego that gives him confidence and escape from reality.

_Highlights Rudolph's use of fantasy to cope with his guilt and mundane life._

> In automatic response to Father Schwartz's 'Make an act of contrition,' he began to repeat aloud meaninglessly: 'Oh, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. …'

Rudolph mechanically recites the prayer of contrition without genuine feeling, revealing his disconnection from the ritual.

_Shows Rudolph's performative approach to confession and his internal dishonesty._

## Links

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