The narrative follows Clorinda, a fashionable woman who encounters a whimsical shop dedicated to selling husbands. Intrigued by the sign "THE HUSBAND SHOP," she enters, greeted by a floor-walker who presents husbands as the latest fashion accessory. The shop showcases various husbands, each adorned on hats, reflecting the absurdity of treating relationships as commodities. Clorinda tries on several husbands, each with distinct characteristics—some too small, others too cold or stern, and a few even slightly soiled. Each husband displays signs of boredom when subjected to the hat-pin, emphasizing their lack of genuine connection. However, she eventually finds one labeled "Dibbs," which surprisingly responds positively to her touch, suggesting a spark of compatibility. Delighted by this discovery, Clorinda decides that this particular husband would be better suited as a corsage rather than a mere hat accessory. The scene concludes with her leaving the shop, proudly wearing her chosen husband close to her heart, leaving onlookers astonished by her unconventional choice. The work satirizes societal norms regarding marriage and relationships, highlighting the absurdity of viewing love as a mere fashion statement.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Fable