The Man who Ate the Popomack
The narrative unfolds in a London picture gallery, where various characters engage in discussions about modern art, love, and the nature of existence. The central figure, a wealthy financier, recounts a past experience involving a rare fruit called the popomack, which is said to have a unique and terrible smell. This fruit becomes a symbol of desire and repulsion, as it is linked to a dinner party where two guests consume it, leading to a life-altering consequence. The story explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations through the interactions of characters such as Lord Belvoir, who becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of marrying Muriel Raub, the daughter of the financier. As the narrative progresses, Belvoir's affliction—an unbearable odor resulting from the popomack—serves as a metaphor for his emotional and social isolation. His attempts to reclaim his life and love culminate in a desperate plan to force Muriel to share in his fate by consuming the popomack herself. The dialogue is rich with philosophical musings on the nature of love and the human condition, contrasting Eastern and Western perspectives on relationships and desire. The characters grapple with their feelings, revealing the complexities of attraction, repulsion, and the societal pressures that dictate their actions. As the story reaches its climax, Belvoir's manipulative scheme to regain Muriel's affection backfires, leading to a tragic conclusion. The narrative ends with a haunting reflection on the futility of human desires and the inevitability of loss, encapsulated in the final scene where the consequences of their choices become painfully clear. The work ultimately serves as a commentary on the absurdities of life, love, and the human experience, leaving the audience to ponder the true nature of fulfillment and connection.
By Walter J. Turner · First published 1970 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Literary Fiction · 4 chapters · 24,404 words
First lines
CHARACTERS MAN ABOUT TOWN. OLD MAN. A WOMAN. A MAN FIRST YOUNG MAN. SECOND YOUNG MAN SIR SOLOMON RAUB, millionaire Jewish financier, head of Raub Bros, China & East India merchants. MURIEL RAUB. Sir Solomon's Daughter HARRINGHAM, butler to Sir Solomon Raub LORD BELVOIR. NOSEGAY, valet to Lord Belvoir, a simple stolid fellow of 28 PARLOUR MAID LADY OLIVIA, daughter of the Marquis of Beaufort LADY PHAORON, a woman of fifty, wife of Sir Philo SIR PHILO PHAORON, famous Egyptologist, small, and about 60 HON. RUPERT CLAVELLY CAPTAIN ANTHONY, a creation of Belvoir's imaginationon, made up exactly to resemble the Old Man in Act i, but with a white beard.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man who Ate the Popomack is listed on Textopian as a play by Walter J. Turner, dated 1970 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Walter J. Turner
- Date: 1970 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Humor, Fiction
- Length: 24,404 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 802 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Man who Ate the Popomack by Walter J. Turner
- 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 The Man who Ate the Popomack?
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Similar titles
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- Through The Magic Door by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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- In Caverns Below by Stanton A. Coblentz
- The Tale Of The Unknown Island by Jose Saramago
Genres
- Adventure — The plot likely involves exploration and the challenges faced by the protagonist.
- Fantasy — The title suggests elements of the fantastical, possibly involving mythical creatures or surreal experiences.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style may focus on character development and thematic depth.
- Humor — The premise may contain comedic elements related to the absurdity of the situation.
Tags
adventure · fantasy · fiction · mystery · humor · surrealism · narrative · exploration · quirky · imagination · whimsical · character-driven
Contents
- ACT ONE
- ACT TWO
- ACT THREE
- ACT FOUR