Ruth in Exile by P. G. Wodehouse
The story revolves around the relationship between Ruth Warden and George Vince, a young man who has been trying to win her heart. However, their love is put to the test when George's financial situation is revealed, and it turns out that he is not as wealthy as initially thought. George had been pawning items at the mont-de-piete, where Ruth works, in order to make ends meet. He had also been trying to come up with a new idea for his family's toy business, Vince's Stores. George's plan was to create a character called Uncle Zip, the Hump-Curer, who would be a popular children's toy. However, when Ruth discovers that George is not as wealthy as she thought, she becomes upset and refuses to marry him. George tries to explain his situation, but Ruth is still hesitant. It isn't until George reveals that he has been pawning items at the mont-de-piete in order to make ends meet that Ruth begins to understand. In the end, George's honesty and willingness to change his plans for the sake of their relationship win over Ruth's heart. She agrees to marry him, but only if he promises not to pursue the Uncle Zip idea, which could potentially hurt M. Gandinot's feelings. The story highlights the importance of honesty and communication in relationships. George's initial deception had put a strain on his relationship with Ruth, but his willingness to be honest and change his plans ultimately won her over. The story also shows that sometimes, it's not about getting what we want, but about being willing to make sacrifices for the people we love. The title of the story, "The Affinities," suggests a deep connection between George and Ruth. Their relationship is built on a foundation of trust, honesty, and mutual understanding. The story explores the idea that true love requires compromise and sacrifice, and that sometimes, it's necessary to put others' feelings before our own desires. Overall, the story is a heartwarming tale of love and relationships, highlighting the importance of honesty, communication, and compromise in building strong and lasting connections with others.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1934 · Genre: Comedy, Romance, Dramedy · 6,753 words
First lines
The clock struck five -- briskly, as if time were money. Ruth Warden got up from her desk and, having put on her hat, emerged into the outer office where M. Gandinot received visitors. M. Gandinot, the ugliest man in Roville-sur-Mer, presided over the local mont-de-piete, and Ruth served him, from ten to five, as a sort of secretary-clerk. Her duties, if monotonous, were simple. They consisted of sitting, detached and invisible, behind a ground-glass screen, and entering details of loans in a fat book. She was kept busy as a rule, for Roville possesses two casinos, each offering the attraction of petits chevaux, and just round the corner is Monte Carlo. Very brisk was the business done by M. Gandinot, the pawnbroker, and very frequent were the pitying shakes of the head and clicks of the tongue of M. Gandinot, the man; for in his unofficial capacity Ruth's employer had a gentle soul, and winced at the evidences of tragedy which presented themselves before his official eyes.
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Ruth in Exile is listed on Textopian as a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1934 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Dramedy
- Length: 6,753 words
- Structure: 1 section, 149 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Ruth in Exile by P. G. Wodehouse
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Something New by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Man The Maid And The Miasma by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Good Angel by P. G. Wodehouse
- Bingo And The Little Woman by P. G. Wodehouse
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Genres
- Comedy — P. G. Wodehouse is renowned for his humorous and light-hearted writing style, full of wit and charm.
- Romance — Wodehouse often includes love stories and romantic relationships in his plots.
- Dramedy — The combination of humor and romance in Wodehouse's work can often result in dramatic or comedic situations and misunderstandings.
Tags
romantic comedy · British literature · humor · social class · love story · exile · adventure · character development · witty dialogue · satire · lighthearted · relationships