Cheap by Marjorie Pickthall (1913)
The narrative unfolds in a decaying town where a man named Henkel, a large, yellowish Hollander Jew, lives in isolation, surrounded by a collection of broken individuals he employs as servants. Henkel is known for his obsession with acquiring items at low prices, particularly butterflies, which he collects with fervor. His house, once vibrant, is now shrouded in the scent of decay and fever, a reflection of the town's decline. Two young men, Derek Scott and Louis Daurillac, arrive in search of adventure and the elusive golden butterfly that Henkel covets. They are drawn into the jungle, where they face the harsh realities of the environment, including illness and the treachery of the local indigenous people. The narrative captures their journey, highlighting the contrast between their youthful hope and the grim fate that awaits them. As the expedition progresses, the men encounter numerous challenges, including inadequate supplies and the deadly effects of fever. Daurillac succumbs to illness, and Scott returns alone, haunted by the loss of his friend and the horrors they faced. He confronts Henkel, who remains fixated on the butterfly, oblivious to the suffering endured by the young men. In a climactic moment, Scott reveals the golden butterfly, a symbol of beauty and desire, but the encounter turns deadly as he exacts revenge on Henkel for his exploitation and greed. The story concludes with Scott reflecting on the cost of their journey, encapsulating themes of desperation, the value of life, and the moral implications of seeking beauty at the expense of others. The narrative serves as a critique of commodification and the human cost of obsession.
By Marjorie Pickthall · First published 1913 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Adventure · 5,019 words
First lines
Ransome said that you might pick up specimens of all the unprettiest afflictions of body and soul in Herares ten years ago. He also said that when he saw any particularly miserable bit of human wreckage, white or brown, adrift on the languid tides of life about the jetty, he always said without further inquiry, "It's Henkel's house you're looking for. Turn to the left, and keep on turning to the left. And if God knew what went on under these trees, He'd have mercy on you. ."
What this Textopian page supports
Cheap is listed on Textopian as a short story by Marjorie Pickthall, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Marjorie Pickthall
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Adventure, Gothic Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 5,019 words
- Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cheap by Marjorie Pickthall
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Cheap?
- How does this short story by Marjorie Pickthall fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Worker In Sandal Wood by Marjorie Pickthall
- The Hirelings by Israel Zangwill
- The Jewess by Aleksandr Kuprin
- A London Life by Henry James
- Louisa Pallant by Henry James
- The Portrait Of A Lady Volume Ii by Henry James
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of morality, human suffering, and the consequences of exploitation, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological states of characters, particularly in relation to their experiences with fever and madness.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey into the jungle, seeking rare butterflies, which aligns with adventure genre conventions.
- Gothic Fiction — The setting and atmosphere evoke a sense of decay and darkness, typical of gothic elements.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Canadian Literature · Coming-of-Age Story · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Poverty · Working Class Life · Family Dynamics · Mother-Daughter Relationship · Female Protagonist · Autobiographical Elements · Realism