Short Fiction · Chapter
From Each According to His Ability explained
Vuyning, a bored clubman, is approached by Emerson, a self-proclaimed crook from the West, who admires Vuyning's impeccable style and seeks his advice on dressing properly.
What happens
Vuyning, a bored clubman, is approached by Emerson, a self-proclaimed crook from the West, who admires Vuyning's impeccable style and seeks his advice on dressing properly. Vuyning agrees to help, and Emerson reveals he stole $16,000 from a bank. Despite this, Vuyning befriends him, takes him to his tailor, and later introduces him at his club as a burglar and pal. Emerson captivates the clubmen with tales of the West. After Emerson leaves, Vuyning, inspired, decides to visit his father's Colorado ranch and tells Miss Allison he will propose again but not today.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Emerson, a criminal, presents himself as a gentleman after Vuyning's fashion advice, blurring the line between crook and clubman.
Social Class and Wealth
The contrast between Vuyning's inherited wealth and Emerson's stolen money, and how fashion and demeanor signal class status.
Humor and Irony
Vuyning's ironic self-deprecation and the clubmen's disbelief when he introduces a burglar as a pal.
Characters to notice
- Vuyning
A bored clubman who befriends a crook, helps him with fashion, and decides to visit his Colorado ranch.
- Emerson
A self-proclaimed crook and safe-blower from the West who seeks Vuyning's fashion advice and later charms the clubmen with Western tales.
- Miss Allison
The woman Vuyning repeatedly proposes to; she refuses him again, and he tells her he will not propose that day.
- Kirk
A club member who complains about fish stories and is skeptical of Vuyning's new friend.
Key passages
“I've got a roll as big around as a barrel of black-eyed peas and as loose as the wrapper of a two-for-fiver.”
I have a large roll of money, carelessly carried.
Emerson boasts about his stolen cash.
“He is a burglar and safe-blower, and a pal of mine.”
He is a burglar and safe-cracker, and a friend of mine.
Vuyning introduces Emerson to his clubmates.
“I was going to propose again today, but I won't. I've worried you often enough.”
I intended to propose again today, but I'll refrain. I've troubled you enough.
Vuyning tells Miss Allison he will not propose that day.