Short Fiction · Chapter
Grounds for Uneasiness explained
Professor Sousa is invited to dine with a wealthy but stingy Houston citizen.
What happens
Professor Sousa is invited to dine with a wealthy but stingy Houston citizen. After dinner, he plays classical piano pieces, but his host becomes restless and asks for livelier music because a wood-sawing worker in the back yard has been keeping time to the slow tempo, costing the host money.
Themes in this chapter
Humor and Irony
The host's concern about paying a worker by the day while Sousa plays slow music creates an ironic and humorous situation.
Social Class and Wealth
The host's stinginess and focus on economy despite his wealth highlight themes of social class and the pursuit of money.
Key passages
“Professor Sousa was asked to play upon the piano, of which instrument he is a master, and he did so, performing some lovely Beethoven sonatas, and compositions by the best masters.”
Sousa, an accomplished pianist, played classical pieces by Beethoven and other great composers.
Establishes Sousa's skill and the type of music he played.
““Say,” he said, “please play something livelier. Give us a jig or a quickstep—something fast and jolly.””
The host asked Sousa to switch to a faster, more upbeat tune.
Shows the host's direct request for a change in music.
““No,” said the host, “I’ve got a man in the back yard sawing wood by the day, and he’s been keeping time to your music for the last half hour.””
The host explained that a worker paid by the day was matching the slow tempo, costing him money.
Reveals the host's true motive for wanting livelier music.