# A Wizard from Gettysburg explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

Bertrand Delmandé, a young boy, finds an old, wounded tramp on the road and brings him home to the Bon-Accueil plantation. The tramp, who is mentally unwell and believes Bertrand is his son 'St. Ange,' is initially met with suspicion by the servants but is allowed to stay. The next morning, the tramp produces a box of gold, claiming it is for St. Ange's education, and Madame Delmandé recognizes him as her husband, long thought dead since the Battle of Gettysburg.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Redemption

The old tramp's return with gold symbolizes a redemptive act, offering financial salvation to the Delmandé family and a chance for Bertrand's education.

### Cultural and Historical Context

The story is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg, and the social dynamics of Louisiana plantation life.

## Character check-ins

### Bertrand Delmandé

A kind-hearted boy who finds and helps the wounded tramp, bringing him to the family plantation.

### Madame Delmandé

Bertrand's grandmother, who is initially depressed over money troubles but later recognizes the tramp as her long-lost husband.

### St. Ange Delmandé

Bertrand's father, who is worried about financial issues and the possibility of Bertrand leaving school.

## Key lines

> It was one afternoon in April, not long ago, only the other day, and the shadows had already begun to lengthen.

One afternoon in April, not long ago, as the shadows grew longer,

_Sets the time and mood for the chapter's opening._

> Here's money! Who says St. Ange shall not go to school? The war's over—here's money!

Here is money! Who says St. Ange cannot go to school? The war is over—here is money!

_The tramp's declaration reveals his delusion and the gold's purpose._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se/chapters/a-wizard-from-gettysburg
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se/chapters