Short Fiction · Chapter
The Princess and the Puma explained
Ripley Givens, foreman of the Espinosa Ranch, encounters Josefa O'Donnell at a water hole and attempts to rescue her from a Mexican lion, only to have her shoot the lion herself.
What happens
Ripley Givens, foreman of the Espinosa Ranch, encounters Josefa O'Donnell at a water hole and attempts to rescue her from a Mexican lion, only to have her shoot the lion herself. To salvage his pride, he claims the lion was his pet, 'Bill,' and Josefa later reveals to her father that she killed the notorious 'Gotch-eared Devil.'
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Givens pretends the lion was his pet to save face, while Josefa later reveals the truth to her father.
Humor and Irony
The irony of Givens' failed rescue and his comical claim about the lion being a pet.
Characters to notice
- Josefa O'Donnell
The princess of the Espinosa Ranch, skilled with a pistol and quick-witted, she shoots the lion herself.
- Unknown Narrator
Narrates the story of the princess and the puma.
Key passages
“There had to be a king and queen, of course. The king was a terrible old man who wore six-shooters and spurs, and shouted in such a tremendous voice that the rattlers on the prairie would run into their holes under the prickly pear.”
The king was a loud, intimidating man whose shouts scared even rattlesnakes.
Introduces the king's character with hyperbole.
“Josefa O'Donnell was the surviving daughter, the princess. From her mother she inherited warmth of nature and a dusky, semi-tropic beauty. From Ben O'Donnell the royal she acquired a store of intrepidity, common sense, and the faculty of ruling.”
Josefa combined her mother's warmth and beauty with her father's courage and leadership.
Describes Josefa's dual heritage.
“Ripley Givens, foreman of one of the Espinosa outfits, saw her one day, and made up his mind to form a royal matrimonial alliance.”
Givens decided to marry Josefa after seeing her.
Sets up Givens' romantic ambition.
“Givens did what he could. His six-shooter was thirty-five yards away lying on the grass. He gave a loud yell, and dashed between the lion and the princess.”
Givens yelled and ran to protect Josefa, though his gun was out of reach.
Givens' impulsive but ineffective rescue attempt.
“The would-be-rescuing knight felt the fire of his fiasco burn down to his soul.”
Givens felt humiliated by his failed rescue.
Highlights Givens' embarrassment.
“Poor old Bill! ... he's been our camp pet for two years.”
Givens claims the lion was a beloved camp pet named Bill.
Givens' lie to cover his pride.