Short Fiction · Chapter
The Lull explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Durmot invites the election-weary candidate Latimer Springfield for a restful Sunday, but her niece Vera orchestrates a chaotic night by pretending a flood has occurred, forcing Latimer to share his room with a pig and a gamecock, thus preventing him from working on his political speeches.
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 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
Vera's elaborate deception to enforce a 'lull' from politics exposes the gap between polite social expectations and manipulative reality.
- Rebellion and Individuality
Vera's creative and mischievous rebellion against adult authority and political seriousness highlights youthful individuality.
- The Absurdity of Social Rituals
The attempt to enforce a restful Sunday lull is subverted by Vera's absurd scheme, mocking the ritual of political respite.
Characters to notice
- Vera Durmot
The sixteen-year-old niece who fabricates a flood to keep Latimer from politics, placing a pig and a gamecock in his room.
- Latimer Springfield
The election candidate who is tricked into a sleepless night with animals, prevented from working on his campaign.
- Mrs. Attray
Mentioned as Mrs. Durmot, the hostess who tries to enforce a political respite for Latimer.
Key passages
“I’ve asked Latimer Springfield to spend Sunday with us and stop the night”
Mrs. Durmot announces that she has invited the politician Latimer Springfield for a Sunday visit and overnight stay.
Sets up the premise of the chapter: a forced break from electioneering.
“At any rate I kept your mind from dwelling on politics all the night”
Vera points out that her deception successfully prevented Latimer from thinking about politics throughout the night.
Vera's justification for her elaborate trick, highlighting the ironic success of her scheme.
