Short Fiction · Chapter
Next to Reading Matter explained
Judson Tate recounts how he used his persuasive speech to woo Señorita Anabela Zamora on behalf of his handsome but tongue-tied friend Fergus McMahan, only to fall in love with her himself.
What happens
Judson Tate recounts how he used his persuasive speech to woo Señorita Anabela Zamora on behalf of his handsome but tongue-tied friend Fergus McMahan, only to fall in love with her himself. After winning her affection through nightly conversations in the dark, he loses her when a cold robs him of his voice, and she elopes with Fergus.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Judson impersonates Fergus in the dark, using his voice to create a false identity that wins Anabela's love.
Love and Romance
The central plot revolves around romantic pursuit, mistaken identity, and the power of words in courtship.
Humor and Irony
The irony of Judson losing Anabela when he loses his voice, and Fergus winning her despite his lack of eloquence.
Characters to notice
- Judson Tate
The narrator and protagonist, a skilled talker who impersonates his friend to win a woman's heart.
- Fergus O'Hollihan
Handsome but inarticulate friend who enlists Judson's help to court Señorita Anabela.
- Tonia Perez
Señorita Anabela Zamora, the beautiful woman courted by Judson on Fergus's behalf.
Key passages
“Handsome is as handsome palavers.”
True attractiveness lies in one's ability to speak well, not just in physical appearance.
Judson's twist on the proverb 'Handsome is as handsome does' emphasizes the value of eloquence.
“I opened my mouth, and instead of the usual vibrating words of love and compliment, there came forth a faint wheeze such as a baby with croup might emit.”
When Judson tried to speak, he could only produce a weak, raspy sound like a sick infant.
Illustrates the sudden loss of his vocal charm due to a cold, leading to his romantic downfall.