Short Fiction · Chapter
Bertie's Christmas Eve explained
On Christmas Eve, the Steffink family gathers for festivities, but Bertie Steffink, a ne'er-do-well nephew facing exile to Rhodesia, is sullen.
What happens
On Christmas Eve, the Steffink family gathers for festivities, but Bertie Steffink, a ne'er-do-well nephew facing exile to Rhodesia, is sullen. When the family goes to the cow-house to hear animals speak (a Russian legend), Bertie locks them in. He then hosts a raucous party with strangers, playing instruments and drinking champagne. After hours, he tosses the key to the prisoners, freeing them. Bertie declares it his happiest Christmas Eve, despite having a 'rotten Christmas.'
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion and Individuality
Bertie's defiance of family expectations and his act of locking the family in the cow-house embody rebellion against social norms.
The Absurdity of Social Rituals
The family's earnest participation in the cow-house legend and the chaotic aftermath highlight the absurdity of forced holiday merriment.
Hypocrisy and Moral Facade
Luke Steffink's pride in his respectable household contrasts with the family's undignified imprisonment and Bertie's revelry.
Characters to notice
- Luke Steffink
The uncle and guardian, who hosts the Christmas party and is locked in the cow-house by Bertie.
- Bertie Thropplestance
The rebellious nephew who locks the family in the cow-house and throws a wild party.
- Horace Bordenby
A Christmas guest who suggests the Russian legend about animals speaking on Christmas Eve.
- Beryl Pevenly
A young guest who eagerly suggests going to the cow-house to hear the animals talk.
- Mrs. Steffink
Luke's wife, who chaperones the cow-house expedition and later frets about the champagne being drunk.
Key passages
“Bertie Steffink, nephew of the aforementioned Luke, had early in life adopted the profession of ne’er-do-weel; his father had been something of the kind before him.”
Bertie Steffink, Luke's nephew, had become a good-for-nothing early on, just like his father before him.
Introduces Bertie's character as a lazy troublemaker.
“In Russia, said Horace Bordenby, who was staying in the house as a Christmas guest, I've read that the peasants believe that if you go into a cow-house or stable at midnight on Christmas Eve you will hear the animals talk.”
Horace Bordenby, a guest, mentions a Russian belief that animals can speak at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Sets up the plot device that leads to the family being locked in.
“It was the happiest Christmas Eve he had ever spent. To quote his own words, he had a rotten Christmas.”
Bertie considered it his best Christmas Eve ever, though he admitted the Christmas itself was terrible.
Highlights Bertie's ironic satisfaction with his rebellious actions.