Short Fiction · Chapter
Pity Is Akin— explained
Henry and Mrs.
What happens
Henry and Mrs. Spalding visit the Cozy Club, where they encounter Marian Moore, a performer with a woebegone appeal. After a night of drinking, Henry is later called to testify in a trial against the club, where Marian is accused of being drunk. She is acquitted, and Henry, feeling guilty and falling in love with her, seeks her out at The Snug to apologize.
Themes in this chapter
Alcohol and Escapism
The chapter is steeped in drinking, from the Spaldings' rye to Marian's 'cough medicine,' highlighting alcohol as a means of escape and social lubricant.
Celebrity and Artistic Integrity
Marian Moore's performance and public persona are central, showing the tension between her woebegone appeal and the reality of her drinking.
Satire of Media and Business
The trial and the club's operations satirize the business of entertainment and the legal system's handling of Prohibition.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Henry Spalding
Accompanies her husband to the Cozy Club, drinks, and falls asleep.
- Mr. Henry Spalding
Dines and drinks at the Cozy Club, later testifies in the trial, and falls for Marian.
- Marian Moore
Hostess and performer at the Cozy Club, accused of drunkenness, acquitted, and later works at The Snug.
Key passages
“The smile was a little crooked, giving her face a childish appearance, though she could have voted for Hughes.”
Her smile was slightly off, making her look childlike, even though she was old enough to vote for Hughes.
Describes Marian Moore's appearance and age.
“She hung onto a song until the orchestra or pianist made her quit.”
She would keep singing a song until the musicians forced her to stop.
Illustrates her bulldog courage as a vocalist.
“I wasn't never under the influence of liquor because I never tasted a drop of it in my life.”
I have never been drunk because I have never had a single drop of alcohol.
Marian's defense in court, claiming she never drank.