The Prodigies
| "The Prodigies" | |
|---|---|
| Short storybyWilla Cather | |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Short story |
| Publication | |
| Published in | Home Monthly |
| Publication type | Women's magazine |
| Publication date | July 1897 |
"The Prodigies"is a short story byWilla Cather.It was first published inHome Monthlyin July 1897.[1]
Plot summary
[edit]The Mackenzies are invited to the Masseys' at four in the afternoon to hear their children, Hermann and Ad, sing. Later, Mr. Mackenzie overhears the children say they wish they could join other children and play with them instead of working. He chips in and tells them they will go to a dog show with his children the next day, instead of seeing an opera as planned. During their performance, the girl collapses. One month later, Mr. Mackenzie informs Mrs. Massey that the girl's voice has been worn out. Undaunted, she prods her son to become a very successful singer.
Characters
[edit]- Mrs Harriet Mackenzie,a pianist.
- Mr Nelson Mackenzie,a doctor. He plays thecornet.
- Elsie,the Mackenzies's daughter.
- Billy,the Mackenzies's son.
- Kate Massey,a pushy mother.
- Mr Massey,a businessman, Kate's husband.
- Hermann,the Masseys's son.
- Ad,the Masseys's daughter.
- Madame Marchesi,a singing teacher inParis.
- John Hamilton,a boy with a skate.
- Mollie Hamilton,John's sister.
Allusions to other works
[edit]- Literature is mentioned withLewis Carroll'sAlice in Wonderland,Pegasus,Alphonse Daudet,Daniel Defoe'sRobinson Crusoe,Johann David Wyss'sThe Swiss Family Robinson,andJohn Bunyan'sThe Pilgrim's Progress.
- Music is mentioned withTeodor Leszetycki,Charles Gounod,Schubert,Jean de Reszke,Adelina Patti,Italo Campanini,Richard Wagner(through a relative of his, Frau Cosima Wagner),Sybil Sanderson,andHector Berlioz'sLa damnation de Faust.