The Short Story Lottery”

Takes Place In A Small American Town. Every Year On June 27Th The Villagers In This Town Gather To Hold Their Annual Lottery. The Head Of Each Family Will Draw A Slip Of Paper And The Family That Picks The One With A Bl

 

"The Japanese Quince" is John Galsworthy's short story of the beauty of nature, and its symbolism of perfection in contrast to the sameness of everyday life.As the story begins, it is a spring morning in 1910 London. A man named, Mr. Nilson, opens the window of his dressing room and experiences "a peculiar sweetish sensation" in the back of his throat, in addition to a feeling of emptiness under his ribs. Mr. Nilson notes the temperature of 60 degrees and sees that the little tree in the garden has begun to blossom.Mr. Nilson is momentarily exuberant at the thought that spring has arrived, but then turns back to the business of his stocks and his scrutiny of his face in the mirror. Reassured that he is the picture of health, Mr. Nilson dons his frock coat and heads downstairs to retrieve his morning paper. Overcome, once more, with the sweet sensation felt a short time ago, Mr. Nilson walks out of the French doors and into the garden, determined to walk a bit before breakfast.As Mr. Nilson walks in the park, the feeling he had experienced is not going away, but rather is increasing in intensity. Mr. Nilson tries to recall what recently eaten foods may be the culprit for this feeling, but determines that the source of the feeling must be coming from a lemony scent from some nearby shrubs.Satisfied with this explanation, Mr. Nilson is ready to resume his morning walk, when the sound of a blackbird draws his attention to a small tree. At closer inspection, Mr. Nilson realizes that this pretty little tree is the same one that he had viewed from his dressing room window. As Mr. Nilson stands smiling at the little tree, he realizes that another man, who also admires the tender blossoming tree, has joined him.Mr. Nilson recognizes the man as his neighbor, Mr. Tandram. He speaks coolly, not appreciating the interruption. Mr. Nilson regrettably realizes that he and Mr. Tandram have never spoken, and Mr. Nilson awkwardly acknowledges his neighbor. Mr. Tandram responds, and...