Short Fiction · Chapter
XXII explained
The narrator apologizes for including a sorrowful chapter, having intended to show only the cheerful side of his soul, but was forced to abandon that plan.
What happens
The narrator apologizes for including a sorrowful chapter, having intended to show only the cheerful side of his soul, but was forced to abandon that plan. He dedicates the work to Jenny, hoping for her approval and pardoning his follies.
Themes in this chapter
Melancholy and Joy
The narrator acknowledges the intrusion of sorrow into a work meant to be cheerful, blending melancholy with the hope of approval.
Characters to notice
- Jenny
The narrator dedicates his work to Jenny, calling her the best and best-beloved of women and sisters.
Key passages
“I hope the sensitive reader will pardon me for having asked his tears; and if anyone thinks I should have omitted this chapter, he can tear it from his copy, or even throw the whole book on the fire.”
The narrator asks forgiveness for evoking sadness and invites readers to remove the chapter or discard the book if they disapprove.
The narrator expresses vulnerability and defiance regarding the inclusion of sorrowful content.
“Enough for me, dear Jenny, that thy heart approves it, thou best and best-beloved of women, best and best-beloved of sisters.”
The narrator finds solace in Jenny's approval, addressing her as the dearest woman and sister.
Jenny's judgment is the ultimate validation for the narrator's work.