Short Fiction · Chapter
An Unfinished Story explained
Dulcie, a department store worker earning six dollars a week, is invited to dinner by a wealthy man she calls 'Piggy.' She excitedly prepares for the date, but after looking at a portrait of General Kitchener on her dresser, she feels a sen
What happens
Dulcie, a department store worker earning six dollars a week, is invited to dinner by a wealthy man she calls 'Piggy.' She excitedly prepares for the date, but after looking at a portrait of General Kitchener on her dresser, she feels a sense of moral reproach and cancels the date. She spends the evening alone, eating crackers and jam, and the story hints that she may eventually give in to Piggy's invitations when she feels lonelier. The narrative is framed as a dream about judgment, critiquing the exploitation of working girls.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Wealth
Dulcie's poverty is contrasted with Piggy's wealth; she must choose between financial temptation and moral integrity.
Gender Roles and Marriage
Dulcie's limited options as a working woman and the expectation that she accept male attention for economic survival.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Dulcie's dream of a glamorous evening versus the reality of her impoverished life; the false promises of wealth and status.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator recounts a dream about judgment and tells Dulcie's story, speaking directly to the reader.
- Annie Williams
Dulcie, a department store worker earning six dollars a week, who is tempted by a dinner invitation from Piggy but ultimately declines due to her conscience.
- Andy Donovan
Piggy, the wealthy man who invites Dulcie to dinner; he is described as a 'spender' who takes girls to swell places.
- Simmons
Sadie, Dulcie's chum at the department store, who encourages her about the date with Piggy.
Key passages
“Dulcie worked in a department store. She sold Hamburg edging, or stuffed peppers, or automobiles, or other little trinkets such as they keep in department stores. Of what she earned, Dulcie received six dollars per week.”
Dulcie worked at a department store, selling various items, and was paid only six dollars a week.
Highlights the low wages and menial work of the protagonist.
“The girls said that Piggy was a 'spender.' There would be a grand dinner, and music, and splendidly dressed ladies to look at, and things to eat that strangely twisted the girls' jaws when they tried to tell about them.”
Piggy was known for taking women to expensive restaurants with fancy food and entertainment.
Illustrates the allure of wealth and the social expectations around dating.
“General Kitchener fixed his wonderful eyes on her out of his gilt photograph frame on the dresser. Dulcie turned like an automatic doll to the landlady. 'Tell him I can't go,' she said dully.”
Dulcie felt judged by the portrait of General Kitchener and decided to cancel her date with Piggy.
Shows the internal moral conflict and the influence of a symbolic figure.