Short Fiction · Chapter
XIV explained
The narrator describes his morning ritual of lingering in bed, deriving pleasure from the warmth and the sounds of his servant Joannetti preparing the room.
What happens
The narrator describes his morning ritual of lingering in bed, deriving pleasure from the warmth and the sounds of his servant Joannetti preparing the room. He reflects on the delicate balance between sleep and wakefulness, and the silent, understanding reproach of his servant that finally persuades him to rise. The narrator praises Joannetti's simplicity and good sense, noting how the servant also guides his soul during its travels, even chasing after it to retrieve forgotten items.
Themes in this chapter
The Ordinary as Extraordinary
The narrator elevates the mundane morning routine of waking up and the silent interaction with his servant into a profound meditation on pleasure, idleness, and understanding.
Solitude and Self-Reflection
The narrator's solitary enjoyment of the warmth of his bed and his introspective thoughts on his own habits and the nature of his soul's journeys.
Characters to notice
- Joanetti
The narrator's faithful servant who silently reproaches his idleness and guides his soul during its travels.
Key passages
“I remarked that I was singularly fond of meditating when influenced by the comfortable warmth of my bed; and that its agreeable color added not a little to the pleasure I experienced.”
I noticed that I especially enjoy thinking when I am cozy and warm in bed, and the pleasant color of the bed enhances that pleasure.
The narrator reflects on the sensory pleasures of his morning bed.
“You are just awake enough to know you are not entirely so, and to make a dreamy calculation that the hour for business and worry is still in the sandglass of time.”
You are awake just enough to realize you are still partly asleep, and you lazily figure that there is still time before you have to face work and concerns.
The narrator describes the delicate state between sleep and waking.
“I dare assert that the most studied discourse on the impropriety of sloth would not make me spring so readily from my bed as the silent reproach of Monsieur Joannetti.”
I claim that the most eloquent lecture on the evils of laziness would not get me out of bed as quickly as the quiet disapproval of Monsieur Joannetti.
The narrator emphasizes the power of his servant's silent reproach.