Short Fiction · Chapter
The Enchanted Kiss explained
Samuel Tansey, a timid drugstore clerk secretly in love with his landlady's daughter Katie Peek, is goaded by his friends' taunts into a rebellious night of drinking absinthe.
What happens
Samuel Tansey, a timid drugstore clerk secretly in love with his landlady's daughter Katie Peek, is goaded by his friends' taunts into a rebellious night of drinking absinthe. His intoxicated wanderings through San Antonio lead him through surreal, haunted streets where he encounters spectral visions and a mysterious conflict involving Captain Peek and a dwarf. In a moment of courage, Tansey rescues Katie from a carriage, kisses her, but is then overpowered and thrown into an ice chest by the dwarf. He awakens on the steps of a convent, the kiss still vivid in his mind, determined to confront his adversaries.
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 Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the precise moment the protagonist’s humor shifts f…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Romance
Tansey's silent, intense adoration of Katie Peek drives his actions, culminating in a rescue and a kiss that fulfills his romantic dreams.
- Humor and Irony
The absurdity of Tansey's drunken adventures—fighting a dwarf, being thrown into an ice chest, and Katie's fear of being 'eaten'—creates a comedic, ironic tone.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Tansey's timid exterior contrasts with his inner romantic and courageous fantasies; the surreal events blur the line between reality and hallucination.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Tansey
A timid drugstore clerk who, after drinking absinthe, embarks on a surreal night adventure, rescues Katie Peek, and is knocked unconscious.
- Annie Williams
Referenced as Miss Peek (Katie Peek), the object of Tansey's silent adoration; she calls for his help and is kissed by him.
- The Captain
Captain Peek, Katie's father, who is involved in a shady scheme with a carriage and a dwarf, and is punched by Tansey.
- The Hermit
Not directly present; the dwarf in a spangled cloak and red trunk-hose acts as a mysterious antagonist, lifting Tansey and throwing him into an ice chest.
Key passages
“But a clerk in the Cut-rate Drug Store was Samuel Tansey, yet his slender frame was a pad that enfolded the passion of Romeo, the gloom of Laura, the romance of D’Artagnan, and the desperate inspiration of Melnotte.”
Samuel Tansey, a drugstore clerk, possessed within his slight body the intense emotions of famous literary lovers and heroes.
Highlights Tansey's hidden romantic and heroic nature.
“The signs of his adoration were few—a tremulous 'Good morning,' stealthy glances at her during meals, and occasionally (Oh, rapture!) a blushing, delirious game of cribbage with her in the parlour on some rare evening when a miraculous lack of engagement kept her at home.”
Tansey showed his love for Katie only through shy greetings, secret looks, and rare, thrilling games of cribbage.
Illustrates Tansey's timid courtship.
“Tansey was no drinker; his consumption of three absinthe anisettes within almost as few minutes proclaimed his unproficiency in the art; Tansey was merely flooding with unproven liquor his sorrows; which record and tradition alleged to be drownable.”
Tansey, unaccustomed to alcohol, quickly drank three absinthes to drown his sorrows.
Explains his rapid intoxication.
“She raised her face, and he kissed her—violets! electricity! caramels! champagne! Here was the attainment of a dream that brought no disenchantment.”
When Katie lifted her face, Tansey kissed her, experiencing a mix of delightful sensations and realizing his dream without disappointment.
Describes the ecstatic kiss.
