Wired Love · Chapter
Goodbye explained
Nattie, devastated after meeting C in person and finding him repulsive, confides in Cyn while Quimby listens with relief.
What happens
Nattie, devastated after meeting C in person and finding him repulsive, confides in Cyn while Quimby listens with relief. She attempts to sever ties with C over the wire, but after a week of silence, C sends a final goodbye message, announcing his departure. Nattie responds coldly, but feels a deep sense of loss for the companionship they once shared.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality in Relationships
Nattie's romantic fantasy of C shatters upon meeting him in person, highlighting the gap between online persona and real-life identity.
Miscommunication and Misunderstanding
Nattie's refusal to explain her disgust leads to confusion and hurt for C, who remains unaware of the reason for her coldness.
Ambition and Discontent
Nattie's dissatisfaction with her office routine grows after the loss of C's companionship, making her work feel monotonous and confining.
Characters to notice
- Nathalie Rogers
Devastated after meeting C in person, she tears up the Cupid sketch and confides in Cyn. She struggles with her feelings of disgust and loss, and eventually rebuffs C's attempts at reconciliation, saying a final goodbye.
- Quimby
Visits Cyn and overhears Nattie's account of C's true appearance, which fills him with joy and hope. He tries to remind Nattie that he had warned her.
- Cyn
Listens sympathetically to Nattie's story, expresses dismay at C's true nature, and consoles Nattie, though she too had been interested in the invisible C.
- Betsey Kling
Notices Nattie's long face and takes grim satisfaction in her unhappiness, disapproving of Nattie seeking out Cyn to confide.
- Mr. C.
Revealed to be a red-haired, greasy, cheap-jewelry-wearing man who disgusts Nattie. He tries to rekindle their friendship over the wire, but after being rebuffed, he sends a final goodbye message and leaves town.
Key passages
“Imagination is too dangerous a guide for me!”
Nattie decides that relying on fantasy is harmful and vows to only trust what she knows for certain about people.
After her disillusionment with C, Nattie rejects the power of imagination in forming relationships.
“Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.”
Nattie quotes the proverb, suggesting that knowing the unpleasant truth about C has only brought her pain.
She regrets learning the reality of C's appearance, preferring the earlier romantic ignorance.
“Goodbye. Believe me, I shall always remember the many social talks we have enjoyed.”
Nattie bids C farewell, acknowledging the pleasant conversations they shared despite her disappointment.
She tries to end the relationship politely, but her coldness reflects her true feelings.