Short Fiction · Chapter
The Innocence of Reginald explained
Reginald, dressed impeccably, discusses his idea of writing a book of personal reminiscences with a companion.
What happens
Reginald, dressed impeccably, discusses his idea of writing a book of personal reminiscences with a companion. He recounts how the mere rumor of the book caused a flurry of demands from acquaintances to omit or alter various incidents, including Miriam Klopstock's plea about a Chow dog in the bathroom and a woman's desire to include a croquet mallet incident. Reginald enjoys the power and chaos his unwritten book has created, while his companion suggests a trip to Paris as a distraction.
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 excerpt is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Egbert…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Hypocrisy and Moral Facade
Reginald's acquaintances publicly demand discretion and privacy, yet privately beg to have their own scandals included, revealing their hypocritical concern for reputation.
- Rebellion and Individuality
Reginald defies social pressure by refusing to alter his memoir to suit others, asserting his own whims and enjoying the chaos he creates.
Characters to notice
- Reginald
Protagonist who toys with the idea of writing a scandalous memoir, enjoying the anxiety it causes among his social circle.
- Clovis Sangrail
The unnamed 'Other' who converses with Reginald and suggests a fortnight in Paris.
Key passages
“I don't believe the two ever really go together. People talk vaguely about the innocence of a little child, but they take mighty good care not to let it out of their sight for twenty minutes.”
Innocence and youth are rarely truly paired; adults claim children are innocent but never trust them unsupervised.
Reginald cynically observes the gap between the ideal of innocence and the reality of adult distrust.
“I love people who do unexpected things. Didn't you always adore the man who slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day?”
I admire those who act unpredictably, like the biblical figure who killed a lion in a pit during a snowstorm.
Reginald expresses his appreciation for the unconventional and surprising, referencing a story from the Bible.
