Pete sits in a sectioned off
portion of a saloon surrounded by half a dozen mirthfully laughing women. Pete
is drunk and full of affection for himself and the world. "I'm a good f'ler
[fella]," he says to the girls, "An'body treats me right, I allus trea's zem
right! See?" The girls loudly agree that Pete is the kind of man they like and
he promises to buy them whatever they want to drink. He is overcome by a sense
of his own benevolence and regard for his friends. Pete noisily summons a
waiter and orders him to bring drinks for the girls. The waiter takes their
orders but is obviously disgusted by Pete's overly intoxicated manner. While
the waiter is gone Pete loudly proclaims the excellence of himself and his
drinking companions and reassures the girls that he has very high regard for them
and knows that they are not merely trying to work him for drinks. The waiter
returns and while he disperses the drinks Pete delivers a tearful soliloquy
about his tender regard for all living things. As the waiter is about to
depart Pete presents the man with a quarter but the waiter refuses. "Put yer
money in yer pocket," he says to Pete, "Yer loaded an' yehs on'ly makes a damn
fool of yerself." The waiter leaves and Pete is visibly depressed. The
ladies, including Nell, the woman of "brilliance and audacity" comfort him and
promise to stick by him. Pete comforts himself by reminding himself that he is
a "damn goo' f'ler" and the women heartily agree. Pete turns to Nell and
drunkenly questions her with regards to his own worth. She readily agrees to
everything he says and the whole group raises their glasses to Pete's health.
Pete decides that they should have another drink and the women encourage his
spending. Pete beats the wooden table in an effort to summon the waiter but he
does not come. Finally, after much pounding and shouting the waiter appears,
takes the order and leaves quickly. Pete is suddenly apprehensive and suspects
that the waiter has insulted him but the women convince him that the waiter is
a good fellow who has done Pete no harm. Pete becomes confused and when the
waiter returns he dramatically rises to his feet, says that the girls have told
him that the waiter has insulted him but he doesn't agree and apologizes.
After the waiter leaves Pete sits down heavily and though he is tired he feels
a strong desire to straighten everything out. He closely questions Nell and
she assures him, again, that he is a good fellow. Overcome by affection, Pete
pulls three bills from his pocket and tells Nell she can have all his money because
he is stuck on her. Soon afterward Pete falls asleep in his chair. The women
continue with their party until Pete pitches forward onto the floor groaning.
The women are disgusted and begin to leave. Nell picks up the money from the
table and looking at the snoring man on the floor she says: "What a damn
fool."
Analysis of Chapter 18
Whereas Pete always appeared
to be strong and assured with Maggie this chapter reveals his character when in
the presence of Nell and her cohorts. He is deluded and pitiful and his
attempts to buy affection inspire no real loyalty. Although one could argue
that he is being punished for his treatment of Maggie Pete is not cognizant of
his comeuppance and Nell's scorn and so he is merely a sad wreck for no reason
except his own nature.
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