The Consolation Prize

Type: Prose
Genre: Fiction
Author: Ethel M. Dell
Source: The Odds and Other Stories
Year Published: 1922
Main Characters: Earl Wyverton - a rich
man who pursued Phyllis to be his
wife
Phyllis - eldest girl of a clergyman;
works as a private secretary
Molly - younger sister of Phyllis

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Summary

Phyllis was surprised one day when the rich Earl Wyverton asked her hand in marriage. Although she has no feelings for him, she cannot resist his offer due to the living condition of her family. When she told her sister Molly about her engagement to Wyverton, Molly can't help but pity her sister. Molly knows that Phyllis is in love with someone else and that she is only marrying the man for the welfare of the family. She then devised a way to release her sister from Wyverton. She went to the rich man and offered herself in replacement of Phyllis. Molly is far prettier than her sister but Wyverton knows that the girl does not have feelings for her. But instead of turning down the girl, Wyverton took her word and will only take her after six months. When Wyverton returns, he is already a broken man. Will Molly still take him as a husband?

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This story reminds us of how women before were forced to marry rich men just to save the family's finances. This plot is the same. However, the protagonist here, Molly (yes dear, it's Molly), showed great courage by offering herself to marriage. It was very unusual for a woman that time to do such an action. Thus, feminine empowerment is very much visible in this composition. We could notice that female characters here are busy at work to earn for the family.

Anyway, the turning point here is when Molly learned that Wyverton is already broke. Readers then will start speculating whether she will still marry the man since he is no longer wealthy.

I must say that the title was really well fitted to the story. And I liked the way it started and ended. The narration is great especially during the last parts.

If you want to read this story too, click the link below for a copy.

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Enjoy reading!

l(a

Poet: e.e. cummings
Type: Poetry
Year Published: 1958


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l(a


l(a


le
af


fa
ll
s)

one
l
iness

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There are no rhymes in this poem but as you could see, the form justifies the entire composition. "l(a" talks about being one and alone. The image of a leaf has always used by writers to suggest loneliness and you could very well see it also in this peace. The division of letters or characters also highlights parting.