Short Fiction · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for Short Fiction by Xavier de Maistre.

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Chapter 1
A Journey Round My Room
The narrator introduces his unique concept of traveling around his room, framing it as a journey of imagination and self-discovery. He describes the pleasures and reflections found in the familiar confines of his space, setting the stage for a series of meditative explorations.
Chapter 2
I
The narrator recounts how he came to possess the little room where he makes his night journey. Seeking solitude from a noisy house, he rents a room on the Rue de la Providence after a servant ruins a pastel sketch. He enjoys the peace until the French Revolution forces him into exile. Returning to Turin years later, he finds the room unchanged, filled with souvenirs, and decides to spend the night there before abandoning himself to Providence.
Chapter 3
II
The narrator reflects on his plans and becomes suspicious of his servant's honesty. He catches the servant attempting to steal his bag and discharges him. This incident prompts him to decide to make a fresh night journey around his room on his last night there.
Chapter 4
III
The narrator reflects on the sudden departure of his faithful servant Joanetti, who marries and leaves his service after fifteen years. He mourns the loss of his companion and the destruction of his old room by war, and resumes his solitary journey with melancholy.
Chapter 5
IV
The narrator reflects on sending his beloved dog Rose away to a convent for her old age, finding comfort in having made at least one creature happy despite the general failure of human attempts to achieve happiness.

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A Journey Round My Room

I

II

III

IV