Aurelia's Unfortunate Young Man
Aurelia Maria, a young woman from San Jose, recounts her tumultuous relationship with Williamson Breckinridge Caruthers, a man whose life has been marred by a series of unfortunate events. Initially engaged at sixteen, their love story takes a tragic turn when Caruthers contracts a severe case of smallpox, leaving him disfigured. Despite her initial inclination to end the engagement, Aurelia's compassion leads her to postpone the wedding. As time progresses, Caruthers suffers further calamities: he fractures a leg, loses both arms in accidents, and eventually becomes blind in one eye. Each misfortune deepens Aurelia's emotional turmoil, as she grapples with her love for him and the mounting pressure from her family to abandon the engagement. Despite the overwhelming odds, she remains steadfast, believing that Caruthers is not to blame for his misfortunes. The narrative highlights Aurelia's internal conflict as she weighs her feelings against societal expectations and practical considerations. Her parents oppose the match due to Caruthers' disabilities and lack of financial stability, leaving her in a state of confusion about her future. In a moment of dark humor, the narrator suggests that Aurelia could provide Caruthers with prosthetic limbs and a glass eye, proposing that if he survives the next few months, she should marry him. This satirical advice underscores the absurdity of their situation and reflects on the nature of love, sacrifice, and the unpredictability of life. Ultimately, the story serves as a commentary on the complexities of love in the face of adversity, the societal pressures surrounding marriage, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst relentless misfortune. Aurelia's dilemma encapsulates the struggle between personal desire and external expectations, leaving readers to ponder the true meaning of commitment and the limits of devotion.
By Mark Twain · First published 1885 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Romance · 1,227 words
First lines
[Written about 1865.]
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Aurelia's Unfortunate Young Man is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1885 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Romance, Tragedy, Fiction
- Length: 1,227 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The book employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and the absurdity of misfortune in romantic relationships.
- Comedy — The exaggerated misfortunes of the characters create a comedic narrative that highlights the ridiculousness of their situation.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around Aurelia's love for Breckinridge, despite his numerous calamities.
- Tragedy — The story reflects tragic elements through the continuous misfortunes faced by Breckinridge, evoking sympathy for both characters.
Tags
Coming-of-Age · Satire · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Humor · Irony · Critique of Society · Morality Tale · Young Adult Fiction · Literary Satire · Social Satire