Essay Questions

What is the sarcasm of the short story “The unconquerable’?

The unconquerable story introduces two characters, Fadelle and Wingate, who are the best friends since childhood. Ironically, they fall in love with the same woman called Gertrude. However, Gertrude confesses that she loves Wingate, and she gets married to him. Fadelle has no option but to respect the marriage despite his intense love for Gertrude. When Wingate dies, Fadelle thinks that it is the best opportunity to pursue his passion for Gertrude. Unfortunately, Gertrude is still deeply in love with her deceased mate. The irony further emerges when Gertrude gives Fadelle Wingate's private documents and letters to read. Fadelle discovers that Wingate made his fortune through deceit and sham. Fadelle wonders why his best friend since childhood hid big secrets that he cannot answer now because he has died.

How does the author demonstrate that romantic love is a complicated thing to comprehend in the short story 'Alicia's Diary'?

Charles finds himself in a complicated situation as he pursues his love for Caroline, Alicia's sister. Caroline wants Charles to marry her the soonest possible, but he is not ready to settle for marriage. Charles keeps on postponing argues that there are many things that he must put in order first before committing himself. However, Charles is also eyeing Alicia, Caroline's sister. Alicia realizes that she also loves Charles, but he is her sister's fiancée. Charles expresses his love for Alicia, and he proposes to marry her instead of Caroline. Alicia urges Charles first to marry Caroline, and in the event Caroline dies, she can marry him. After a few years into their marriage, Charles dies. Caroline gets remarried to another man. Alicia fails to comprehend why love life is complicated, but the author alludes that romantic love is complicated.

What characterizes life in Wessex, and how does it emerge as one of the book's main themes?

Life in Wessex is characterized by romantic relations, which lead to weddings and marriage. The people of Wessex believe that marriage is a holy thing in society because it ensures future generations' continuity. Hardy explains that society expects that women should get married despite the complexities surrounding marriage. According to Hardy, people should get into marriage for the right reasons without any pressure. For instance, Charles is caught up between marrying either Caroline or Alicia, who are both siblings. When he gets married to Caroline, he is not happy, and he finally succumbs, leaving Caroline behind, who gets remarried to another man, and life continues.