Short Fiction · Chapter
Some Like Them Cold explained
In this epistolary chapter, Chas.
What happens
In this epistolary chapter, Chas. F. Lewis writes to Mabelle Gillespie about his life in New York, his struggles with song publishing, and his new job at the Wilton orchestra. He then announces his engagement to Paul Sears' sister, Betsy, and their plans to marry and move to Atlantic City. Mabelle responds with a mix of congratulations and sarcasm, hinting at her own romantic interests and her disapproval of Lewis's choices.
Themes in this chapter
Celebrity and Artistic Integrity
Lewis's frustration with publishers and his desire to self-publish his song reflect the tension between artistic creation and commercial success.
Marriage and Gender Roles
The engagement between Lewis and Betsy, with her conditions about not being a 'slave' and attending shows nightly, challenges traditional gender roles.
Characters to notice
- Bert
Chas. F. Lewis, the letter writer, shares news about his song, his job, and his engagement.
- Ella
Mabelle Gillespie, the recipient of the letters, responds with wit and a hint of jealousy.
- Celia Sayles
Betsy Sears, Paul's sister, is described as cold but becomes Lewis's fiancée.
- Mr. Grant
Paul Sears, the lyricist of Lewis's song, is mentioned as the brother of Betsy.
Key passages
“I am engaged to be married to Paul Sears’ sister and we are going to be married early next month and live in Atlantic City where the orchestra I have been playing with has got an engagement in one of the big cabarets.”
Lewis announces his engagement to Paul's sister and their upcoming move to Atlantic City for an orchestra job.
This marks a major personal development for Lewis.
“She said she supposed she would have to marry somebody sometime and she did not dislike me as much as most of the other men her brother brought round and she would marry me with the understanding that she would not have to be a slave and work round the house and also I would have to take her to a show or somewheres every night.”
Betsy agrees to marry Lewis on the condition that she won't have to do housework and that he will take her out to shows nightly.
This highlights Betsy's unconventional expectations for marriage.