Short Fiction · Chapter
His Only Opportunity explained
A local politician attends a theatrical performance in Houston, hoping to be called a gentleman by a magician who asks to borrow a hat, as he has not been addressed respectfully in years.
What happens
A local politician attends a theatrical performance in Houston, hoping to be called a gentleman by a magician who asks to borrow a hat, as he has not been addressed respectfully in years.
Themes in this chapter
Humor and Irony
The politician's desperate desire to be called a gentleman for the first time in years, even through a magician's trick, is presented with ironic humor.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The unnamed narrator recounts the politician's story.
Key passages
“I’ve been in politics now for ten years, and I’ve been bemoaned and abused and cussed out, and called so many hard names that I thought I’d like to be addressed in a decent manner once more before I die, and this is about the only opportunity I shall have.”
After a decade in politics, he has endured so much verbal abuse that he sees the magician's request for a hat as his sole chance to be politely addressed.
Highlights the politician's longing for respect and the ironic situation.