Short Fiction · Chapter
Dicky explained
Dicky Maloney, an Irishman living in Coralio with his devoted wife Pasa, is imprisoned after assaulting the comandante who made advances toward her.
What happens
Dicky Maloney, an Irishman living in Coralio with his devoted wife Pasa, is imprisoned after assaulting the comandante who made advances toward her. Despite his dire situation and lack of money, Dicky remains hopeful upon hearing the arrival of the steamer Catarina, and sends Pasa to fetch the American consul.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Dicky and Pasa's deep devotion to each other is central, with Pasa's willingness to sacrifice and Dicky's protective actions.
Crime and Consequence
Dicky's assault on the comandante leads to his imprisonment, highlighting the legal and social repercussions of his actions.
Humor and Irony
Dicky's playful yet defiant attitude, such as chasing the army with a sword, adds ironic humor to his predicament.
Characters to notice
- Dicky Maloney
The red-haired Irish protagonist, imprisoned for assaulting the comandante, but remains optimistic upon hearing the Catarina's arrival.
- Pasa
Dicky's devoted wife, who brings him food in prison and contemplates desperate measures due to their poverty.
- Frank Goodwin
Mentioned as someone Dicky avoids, part of the alien residents of Coralio.
- The Colonel
Referred to as the comandante, Don Señor el Coronel Encarnacion Rios, who makes advances toward Pasa and is assaulted by Dicky.
Key passages
“They’re hanging men and women now, For lacking of the green.”
People are being executed for not having money.
Dicky hums this line, reflecting his awareness of the harsh consequences of poverty.
“More than one Irishman has been the ruler of a South American country. There was a dictator of Chile named O’Higgins. Why not a President Maloney, of Anchuria?”
Irishmen have led South American nations before, so Dicky jokes about becoming president of Anchuria.
Dicky playfully suggests his own political ambitions to Pasa.
“You meat-cows, you know nothing of a man. Your men are maromeros.”
You ignorant women, you don't understand real men; your men are just acrobats.
Pasa defends Dicky's drinking and manliness against other women's criticism.