Short Fiction · Chapter
XXIII: My Romance Blasted explained
The narrator defends himself against press misrepresentation regarding his divorce from his first wife, Hugga Much.
What happens
The narrator defends himself against press misrepresentation regarding his divorce from his first wife, Hugga Much. He describes their life in Gluten, NY, where they ran a post office while profiting from dog supplies, leading to an investigation by Postmaster General Basil Paunch, who falls in love with Hugga. The narrator's divorce proceedings move to Chicago, where a massive influx of corespondents causes a housing crisis, resolved humorously by a newspaperman's suggestion.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Media and Business
The chapter satirizes the press's role in sensationalizing divorce and the business of running a post office for profit.
Marriage and Gender Roles
The narrator's account of his divorce highlights the complexities and public scrutiny of marital relationships.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Grant
Narrator of the chapter, recounting his divorce from Hugga Much.
Key passages
“The subject is my divorce from my first wife, Hugga Much, or rather (thanks to perjured evidence and a “judge” so crooked that the state automobile association had fairly plastered his body with signs reading “Danger! Reverse Curve Ahead!”) her divorce from me.”
The narrator is discussing his divorce, which he claims was unfairly decided due to corrupt legal proceedings.
Highlights the narrator's bitterness and the theme of injustice.
“At his first sight of Hugga, he forgot all about the business that had brought him and fell violently in love.”
The Postmaster General was so captivated by Hugga's appearance that he abandoned his official duties.
Illustrates the theme of romantic distraction and the absurdity of the situation.