# Disillusionment and Failure in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Ring Lardner.

Many protagonists face crushing disappointments—in love, career, or family—and the stories highlight the gap between romantic ideals and harsh realities, often with a tone of bitter irony.

## Where it surfaces

- [My Roomy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/my-roomy): The rookie's struggles with control and the team's reactions illustrate the harsh realities of professional sports, where failure is public and unforgiving.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i): The narrator's batting average suffers due to rooming with Elliott, reflecting the theme of personal failure and its causes.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vii): Elliott's dream of playing in the World Series and marrying his girl collapses when he is sold to Atlanta, leading to a breakdown.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/viii): Elliott's dreams of marriage and success are shattered, leading to madness and violence.
- [Sick ’Em](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/sick-em): The team's initial excitement about Smitty's potential turns to disappointment as he fails to perform, reflecting the theme of unmet expectations.
- [Horseshoes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/horseshoes): Grimes' narrative is filled with a sense of having been overlooked and undervalued despite his contributions, contrasting his own perceived bad luck with Parker's success.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/ii): Larry's expectations of a pleasant European trip are shattered by the war, leading to disappointment and a desire to return home.
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vi): The team's decline and Ike's slump reflect the theme of failure and disillusionment.
- [The Poor Simp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-poor-simp): The 'poor simp' narrative underscores the gap between aspiration and reality, highlighting the protagonist's disillusionment.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i): The narrator expresses disillusionment with the baseball business, where intelligence is not rewarded and less capable players achieve greater financial success.
- [Where Do You Get That Noise?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/where-do-you-get-that-noise): The chapter's characters confront the gap between aspiration and reality, finding only noise where meaning should be.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iv): The players' struggle to understand the lack of fan interest reflects a sense of disillusionment with the sport.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vi): Carey's batting slump and subsequent throwing error highlight the theme of failure and the psychological toll it takes on an athlete, leading to his disillusionment with his teammate Hawley.
- [Oh, You Bonehead!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/oh-you-bonehead): The coach's realization of his own failure and the disillusionment with his methods, as he confronts the consequences of his actions.
- [Good for the Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/good-for-the-soul): The protagonist's transition from a professional baseball player to a garage owner suggests a fall from a glamorous career to a more mundane existence, hinting at themes of lost dreams and disillusionment.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/ii): The narrator's disappointment with the team's quality and the dull training camp reflects a sense of disillusionment.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iii): Warner's poor performance at shortstop and the team's losing streak highlight the theme of failure and disappointment.
- [The Crook](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-crook): Bull's outburst and subsequent firing reflect the fragility of a career in sports, while Martin's inability to perform under pressure highlights the theme of personal failure.
- [A One-Man Team](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/a-one-man-team): The opposing coach's elaborate plan to stop Davis is rendered moot by an injury, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports and the potential for plans to fail.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/ii): Billy's internal thoughts reveal a sense of detachment and boredom, contrasting with the romanticized perception Miss McDonald has of him, highlighting a disconnect between appearance and reality.
- [The Yellow Kid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-yellow-kid): The narrative hints at the potential for disillusionment as the Kid confronts the harsh realities and potential dead ends of the boxing profession.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/ii): Crosby's promising start collapses due to a trivial distraction, illustrating the fragility of success and the harsh realities of professional sports.
- [The Last Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-last-night): Walter's inability to enlist due to poor vision and financial constraints highlights a sense of failure and disillusionment with the war effort.
- [A Chip of the Old Block](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/a-chip-of-the-old-block): The grandfather's final letter, with its dark humor and refusal to engage, suggests a deep disillusionment with the younger generation's romanticized view of war and service.
- [A Frame-Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/a-frame-up): The frame-up leads to a loss of trust and the shattering of ideals, reflecting the theme of disillusionment.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i): Howard's skepticism about Burke's chances reflects the theme of failure and the harsh realities of the sport.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iii): Burke's lack of aggression in the ring, despite his talent, leads to disappointing performances and criticism.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vi): Burke's overconfidence, built on lies, sets the stage for potential disappointment and failure, reflecting the theme of shattered illusions.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/viii): Burkey's disillusionment when he discovers Esther's deception and his subsequent disappearance reflects the theme of shattered illusions.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i): The champion's financial and professional disappointment despite his title.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vi): Larry Moon's commentary reveals the absurdity of the training process, where Jim must endure unnecessary hardship, reflecting a sense of disillusionment with the sport.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vii): Dugan expresses deep disillusionment with the fight game, seeing no glory in winning and feeling the public is against him.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/viii): The public's romanticized view of the underdog Goulet is shattered by the reality of Dugan's easy victory, illustrating the theme of disillusionment.
- [A Caddy's Diary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/a-caddy-s-diary): The caddy becomes disillusioned with the hypocrisy of club members who condemn Crane's theft while cheating themselves.
- [Bedtime Stories](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/bedtime-stories): The stories frequently depict characters who confront the gap between their dreams and the harsh realities of life, leading to disillusionment and a sense of failure.
- [Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/women): Mike Healy's story is a tale of a career derailed by women, reflecting his deep disillusionment with his life and his failure to achieve his potential.
- [The Love Nest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-love-nest): Celia's confession reveals her profound disillusionment with her life and her failed ambition to be a star, despite her outward success and material wealth.
- [Rhythm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/rhythm): Harry's initial success crumbles into failure and disillusionment as his arrogance and lack of integrity lead to professional and personal collapse.
- [IV: Bright College Years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iv-bright-college-years): The narrator's early struggles and the absurdity of his jobs reflect a sense of disillusionment with conventional paths to success.
- [VIII: Football Trick Uncorked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/viii-football-trick-uncorked): The narrator's casual attitude toward the game and the lack of effort in the first half reflect a sense of disillusionment with the sport.
- [XI: How I Swam the Hudson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/xi-how-i-swam-the-hudson): The narrator's journey is marked by a series of failures and disappointments, from the impossible river crossing to the disastrous hockey season, highlighting a sense of futility.
- [My Medical Career](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/xiii-my-medical-career): Despite his schemes, the narrator's profits are minimal, and his patients often give fake names, reflecting a cynical view of success and human nature.
- [Promoted to Contest Editor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/xvii-promoted-to-contest-editor): The narrator's success in boosting circulation leads to personal breakdown, highlighting the hollow victory of the contest.
- [XIX: A Soft Job](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/xix-a-soft-job): The narrator's attempt to find a 'calm' job leads to a farcical situation, reflecting a sense of disillusionment with conventional paths to stability.
- [Sun Cured](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/sun-cured): Despite the supposed vacation, Fretts's story reveals a hollow and chaotic existence, suggesting a deeper disillusionment with his life and relationships.
- [Now and Then](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/now-and-then): Irma's initial happiness gives way to disappointment as Bob's attention shifts away from her, highlighting the gap between romantic ideals and reality.
- [The Spinning Wheel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-spinning-wheel): Jess Dorsey's romantic hopes are shattered when he realizes Amy Bennett used him, leading to his emotional breakdown and departure from the casino.
- [The Venomous Viper of the Volga](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-venomous-viper-of-the-volga): The public's booing of the new champion and the need to create a fake contender reflect a disillusionment with the sport and its heroes.
- [Man Not Overboard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/man-not-overboard): Brainard's despair over his unappreciated work and his broken heart reflects a deep sense of failure and disillusionment with life.
- [Anniversary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/anniversary): Mrs. Taylor's faded beauty and the failed aspirations of Walter and Jim contrast with Louis's 'solid' but unfulfilling success.
- [Old Folks' Christmas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/old-folks-christmas): Tom and Grace's hopes for a joyful family Christmas are shattered, leading to a sense of disillusionment with their children and the holiday itself.
- [Absentminded Beggar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/absentminded-beggar): John's absentmindedness and inability to conform to societal expectations hint at a sense of failure and disillusionment.
- [High-Rollers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/high-rollers): Walter's initial dream of enjoying the summer is shattered by the reality of the high-stakes gambling culture, leading him to a cynical scheme to profit from it, reflecting a sense of disillusionment with the wealthy class.
- [That Old Sweetheart of Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/that-old-sweetheart-of-mine): Stella's life in the city is 'not what she had expected,' and her husband's promise of future leisure is a delusion. Will's confession that he hasn't had a love affair since Stella suggests a life marked by a sense of loss.
- [Great Blessings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/great-blessings): Tod's job loss and his decline contrast with Dave's success, reflecting personal failure and disillusionment.
- [Mamma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/mamma): The inability of institutions to quickly reunite Mamma with her family reflects a broader sense of failure in the social safety net, as she remains lost despite the efforts of police and hospital staff.
- [Words and Music](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/words-and-music): Hilda's idealized image of Roman is shattered when she overhears his casual, dismissive conversation, leading to her emotional breakdown.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/endnotes): The author's sarcastic responses to editorial corrections reflect a sense of disillusionment with criticism and the failure of communication, as seen in the constant bickering over facts.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/themes/disillusionment_and_failure
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/themes