A Relic 1918 by Max Beerbohm (1918)
The narrative begins with the protagonist discovering an old portmanteau, which evokes memories of a past encounter. Inside, he finds a fragment of a fan that belonged to a woman named Angélique, whom he glimpsed in a moment of dramatic tension at a café in Normandy. The scene involved Angélique in a heated confrontation with an older man, M. Joumand, who pursued her in vain. The protagonist is captivated by the incident, particularly by the emotional intensity displayed by Angélique, and he becomes determined to craft a story inspired by this fleeting moment. As he reflects on the encounter, he imagines the backstory of the characters, speculating on their relationship and the nature of their conflict. He envisions writing a tale in the style of Maupassant, focusing on the simplicity and honesty of the human experience. The protagonist grapples with the challenge of capturing the essence of the scene and the characters' emotions, oscillating between different narrative possibilities. Despite his enthusiasm, he struggles to develop the plot and character motivations, finding himself unable to articulate the events leading up to the confrontation. The fan fragment serves as a tangible reminder of his aspirations to write, yet it also symbolizes the passage of time and the fading of youthful ambition. Over the years, he reflects on the encounter and his initial desire to write, recognizing that the memory of Angélique and M. Joumand has lingered in his mind, not as a mystery to solve, but as a poignant reminder of his early creative impulses. Ultimately, the protagonist acknowledges that the relic has transformed in meaning for him; it no longer represents a story to be told but rather a testament to his youthful hopes and the bittersweet nature of memory. The narrative concludes with a sense of acceptance regarding the unfulfilled potential of his writing, as he cherishes the fan fragment as a symbol of his first foray into the world of literature.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1918 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama · 2,816 words
First lines
Yesterday I found in a cupboard an old, small, battered portmanteau which, by the initials on it, I recognised as my own property. The lock appeared to have been forced. I dimly remembered having forced it myself, with a poker, in my hot youth, after some journey in which I had lost the key; and this act of violence was probably the reason why the trunk had so long ago ceased to travel. I unstrapped it, not without dust; it exhaled the faint scent of its long closure; it contained a tweed suit of Late Victorian pattern, some bills, some letters, a collar-stud, and -- something which, after I had wondered for a moment or two what on earth it was, caused me suddenly to murmur, 'Down below, the sea rustled to and fro over the shingle.'
What this Textopian page supports
A Relic 1918 is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction
- Length: 2,816 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Relic 1918 by Max Beerbohm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Relic 1918?
- How does this short story by Max Beerbohm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of memory, nostalgia, and the creative process, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the protagonist's thoughts and emotions, particularly regarding memory and identity.
- Drama — The story revolves around interpersonal conflict and emotional tension between characters, typical of dramatic literature.
- Romance — The narrative includes elements of romantic tension and relationships, particularly through the character of Mlle. Ange'lique.
Tags
Historical Fiction · War Novel · Satire · Social Commentary · Anti-War Literature · British Literature · 20th Century Literature · Novel of Ideas · Literary Satire · Surrealism · Absurdism · Black Humor