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.

DOWNLOAD The Consolation Prize

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

__________________

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.

The Missing Piece

Author: Shel Silverstein
Genre: Children's Books
Type: Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Summary

There was this character, something like a pie that is missing a piece. It set off in a journey to find the piece that would fit him. He traveled far and met different kind of pieces until finally he found his match.

***

"I am not your missing piece. I am nobody's piece. I am my own piece. and even if I was somebody's missing piece, I don't think I'd be yours!"

With those lines above, who would have thought that they actually came from a children's book?

Well, yup they truly are. Shel Silverstein's "The Missing Piece" was created for the young readers. In fact, you could already tell since the book is well illustrated. However, though it was really intended for the young ones, it is still able to convey a message to readers of all ages.

Although classified as a Children's Book, this is one creation perfect not only for kids, kids at heart, but actually for everyone. The illustrations are deceiving but if you read carefully your heart, you'll realize, "Hey, this book is cool. I think I'll keep it coz I'm also looking for a missing piece of me"
Some people who have read this book already said that the story is all about love and finding your match in this world. It's true. But not 100 percent true.

Why? Because it's not just really about finding your one true love.

The Missing Piece here is not just any character like those in fairy tales. Actually it pertains to something else. It maybe "The Right Man", "Perfect Career" or "Happy Family". it could just be anything at all.

So, "The Missing Piece" is generally a symbol of one's dreams and passion. When one finds its missing piece, it will only be the time when he feel contented and fulfilled. But of course, just like in the story, it's a long journey. There will be a lot to meet in the way.

In fact, that's why the book has a sequel. Because the journey doesn't end when you already found happiness. There's a whole lot more.

But I'm not gonna tell you yet. No spoilers for "The Missing Piece Meets the Big O".

Hehehe... Till next review.