Wired Love · Chapter
V: Quimby Bursts Forth in Eloquence explained
Quimby, increasingly lovesick, makes two awkward attempts to declare his feelings to Nattie, but she deftly avoids his advances by feigning obtuseness, fleeing under a pretext, or being rescued by the telegraph sounder.
What happens
Quimby, increasingly lovesick, makes two awkward attempts to declare his feelings to Nattie, but she deftly avoids his advances by feigning obtuseness, fleeing under a pretext, or being rescued by the telegraph sounder. Meanwhile, Nattie's animated conversations with C over the wire draw curious stares from outsiders, and she reflects on the strangeness of telegraphic friendship. After Quimby's second failed attempt, Nattie resolves to teach him the difference between friendship and love, unaware that circumstances will soon test her resolve.
Themes in this chapter
Miscommunication and Misunderstanding
Quimby's attempts to express his love are comically misunderstood or deliberately deflected by Nattie, while the telegraph allows for clear communication between Nattie and C, contrasting with face-to-face awkwardness.
Technology and Romance
The telegraph serves as a medium for Nattie and C's growing intimacy, while also providing an escape for Nattie from Quimby's advances. The 'sounder' interrupts Quimby's declaration, highlighting technology's role in romantic dynamics.
Gossip and Social Surveillance
Nattie's animated telegraph conversations are observed by outsiders who speculate about her sanity, and an unknown operator eavesdrops on her exchange with C, illustrating the lack of privacy on the wire.
Characters to notice
- Nathalie Rogers
Nattie is the object of Quimby's affections and skillfully evades his declarations using humor, excuses, and the telegraph. She enjoys her conversations with C and is becoming aware of Quimby's feelings.
- Quimby
Quimby is painfully bashful and makes two bungling attempts to confess his love to Nattie, each time thwarted by his own nerves or external interruptions. He resolves to try again despite his embarrassment.
- Cyn
Cyn is mentioned as Nattie's friend and housemate; Nattie expects her return during Quimby's second visit, but she does not appear in the chapter.
- Mr. C.
C is Nattie's telegraphic correspondent; they share lively conversations, and he reassures her about the odd appearance of their interactions to outsiders. He is a source of companionship for Nattie.
- Mrs. Simonson
Mrs. Simonson is mentioned as the source of the safe topic 'the weather' and as the person who tells Nattie that Cyn is expected back shortly.
Key passages
““No, no!” he answered, his eyes almost starting from his head between his determination to wind himself up to the point, and the tightness of his grasp on the chair. “It’s—it’s my heart, you know!””
Quimby, gripping the chair tightly and with bulging eyes, nervously confesses that his distress is due to matters of the heart.
Quimby's first attempt to hint at his love is met with Nattie's feigned misunderstanding.
““Excuse me, but I am afraid I cannot remain now,” hastily interrupted Nattie, feeling that something must be done to stop him, and adopting the first expedient that suggested itself. “I just happened to recollect I left my gas burning in close proximity to the lace curtains, and I must go immediately and attend to it.””
Nattie cuts Quimby off mid-declaration by inventing an excuse about a gas leak near her curtains, then rushes away.
Nattie uses a domestic pretext to escape Quimby's romantic advance.
““I wonder if that is complimentary to me?” queried C. “Certainly, as it is because you make me laugh so much,” Nattie replied.”
C asks if Nattie's remark about looking ridiculous is a compliment, and she confirms it is, since he makes her laugh.
Nattie and C share a playful exchange over the wire, contrasting with her awkward interactions with Quimby.
