Short Fiction · Chapter
Tour Y-10 explained
The narrator and her friend Kate embark on a two-week vacation to Yellowstone Park, departing from Chicago.
What happens
The narrator and her friend Kate embark on a two-week vacation to Yellowstone Park, departing from Chicago. The narrator expresses excitement and anxiety about the trip, while Kate teases her about backing out. They travel by train with a large party, and the narrator describes the scenery, including geysers and mountains, and her interactions with fellow travelers Mr. Coles and Mr. Lester, who flirt with her. The narrator also reflects on her friendship with Kate, noting their contrasting personalities and appearances.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aspiration
The narrator's concern about the cost of the trip ($125 apiece) and her saving efforts highlight the financial constraints and aspirations of working-class women seeking leisure.
Marriage and Gender Roles
The narrator's interactions with male admirers and her thoughts on marriage ('The man I marry must take me by storm') reflect contemporary expectations and her ambivalence about domesticity.
Characters to notice
- Kate Hayes
The narrator's best friend, who is described as dark, large, and not conventionally pretty, but with nerve and a teasing personality. She suggested the trip to Yellowstone.
- Mr. Garrett
The man in charge of the trip, who is attentive and reassuring about the safety of the steel train cars.
- Mr. Coles
A fellow traveler who flirts with the narrator, making complimentary remarks about her beauty.
- Mr. Lester
A fellow traveler who makes witty but unkind remarks about Kate's appearance, which the narrator defends against.
Key passages
“I am serious, though I have a keen sense of humor, while Kate is always looking at the funny side of things, and when we are together she keeps me simply screaming at the things she says and does.”
The narrator considers herself serious with a sense of humor, while Kate is more playful and makes her laugh constantly.
Highlights the contrast in their personalities.
“It will cost just about $125 apiece,' was her reply 'Yes, but that is nearly $125 more than either of us have,' I said.”
Kate suggests the trip will cost $125 each, but the narrator points out they don't have that much money.
Shows the financial barrier to the vacation.
“I wish I was gifted with the pen so as I could describe all we have seen today.”
The narrator wishes she had better writing skills to capture the beauty of the scenery.
Expresses her awe at Yellowstone's natural wonders.