The Cream of the Jest · Chapter
Considerations Toward Sunset explained
Kennaston takes a meditative walk at sunset, reflecting on his life, his marriage to Kathleen, and the sanctity of ordinary human ties.
What happens
Kennaston takes a meditative walk at sunset, reflecting on his life, his marriage to Kathleen, and the sanctity of ordinary human ties. He realizes that his fictional Ettarre was actually inspired by his wife, and he finds contentment in the simple, earthly bonds of home and flesh, contrasting with the grand dreams of his earlier pursuits.
Themes in this chapter
Dream vs. Reality
Kennaston contrasts the dream of Ettarre with the reality of his marriage, finding greater happiness in ordinary life.
Love and Idealization
Kennaston realizes that his idealized fictional Ettarre was actually a reflection of his real wife, Kathleen.
The Limitations of the Flesh
Kennaston celebrates the sanctity of flesh-and-blood bonds, finding meaning in the physical and domestic.
Characters to notice
- Felix Kennaston
Walks at sunset, reflects on his life, marriage, and the inspiration for his fictional Ettarre.
- Mrs. Kennaston
Referenced as Kathleen, his wife, whose youth and virtues shaped the character of Ettarre.
- Horvendile
Mentioned in connection with the twilight when he left Storisende.
- La Beale Ettarre
The fictional character in Kennaston's book, revealed to be inspired by his wife.
Key passages
“I saw that the ties of our ordinary life here in the flesh have their own mystic strength and sanctity.”
Kennaston perceives that everyday human relationships possess a profound, sacred power.
Key insight about the value of mundane life.
“I had consciously written of my dear wife as I remembered her when we were young together.”
Kennaston acknowledges that his fictional Ettarre was based on his wife Kathleen.
Revelation about the source of his artistic inspiration.