Short Fiction · Chapter
A Wizard from Gettysburg explained
Bertrand Delmandé, a young boy, finds an old, wounded tramp on the road and brings him home to the Bon-Accueil plantation.
What happens
Bertrand Delmandé, a young boy, finds an old, wounded tramp on the road and brings him home to the Bon-Accueil plantation. The tramp, who is mentally unwell and believes Bertrand is his son 'St. Ange,' is initially met with suspicion by the servants but is allowed to stay. The next morning, the tramp produces a box of gold, claiming it is for St. Ange's education, and Madame Delmandé recognizes him as her husband, long thought dead since the Battle of Gettysburg.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Mrs. Mallard reaches the emotional and psychological peak of her e…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sacrifice and Redemption
The old tramp's return with gold symbolizes a redemptive act, offering financial salvation to the Delmandé family and a chance for Bertrand's education.
- Cultural and Historical Context
The story is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg, and the social dynamics of Louisiana plantation life.
Characters to notice
- Bertrand Delmandé
A kind-hearted boy who finds and helps the wounded tramp, bringing him to the family plantation.
- Madame Delmandé
Bertrand's grandmother, who is initially depressed over money troubles but later recognizes the tramp as her long-lost husband.
- St. Ange Delmandé
Bertrand's father, who is worried about financial issues and the possibility of Bertrand leaving school.
Key passages
“It was one afternoon in April, not long ago, only the other day, and the shadows had already begun to lengthen.”
One afternoon in April, not long ago, as the shadows grew longer,
Sets the time and mood for the chapter's opening.
“Here's money! Who says St. Ange shall not go to school? The war's over—here's money!”
Here is money! Who says St. Ange cannot go to school? The war is over—here is money!
The tramp's declaration reveals his delusion and the gold's purpose.
