Suffering and Escapism: Analysis of Sredni Vashtar and Such a Pretty Little Picture

The short stories "Sredni Vashtar" and "Such a Pretty Little Picture" both explore the theme of characters yearning for freedom in the face of adversity. The protagonists, Conradin and Mr. Wheelock, inhabit worlds that confine them, leading them to employ their imaginations as a means of escape. Despite the differences in their circumstances, both characters grapple with the desire for liberation. Conradin, a young boy with a fatal illness, seeks refuge in his imagination, while Mr. Wheelock, seemingly leading an ideal life, yearns to break free from societal expectations.

This essay delves into the intricate character development of Conradin and Mr. Wheelock, examining their struggles, desires, and the consequences of their respective choices.

The Plight of Conradin: A Child's Escape

Conradin, a ten-year-old boy diagnosed with a terminal illness, faces a harsh reality compounded by the oppressive rule of his aunt, Mrs. De Ropp. The opening sentence sets the tone: "Conradin was ten years old, and the doctor had pronounced his professional opinion that the boy would not live another five years.

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" Conradin's daily existence is marred by Mrs. De Ropp's relentless prohibitions, stripping him of any joy. The only solace he finds is in a small shed, where he keeps his pets: a Houdan hen and a ferret, Sredni Vashtar.

Mrs. De Ropp, depicted as a cold and cruel guardian, adds to Conradin's suffering by denying him the simple pleasures of life. The shed becomes a symbolic sanctuary, where Conradin's imagination takes flight. Sredni Vashtar, a ferret deified by Conradin, becomes the object of his worship.

Each night, he implores the "hutch-god" to grant him a vague but desperate request: "Do one thing for me, Sredni Vashtar." The climax of the story occurs when Mrs. De Ropp discovers Conradin's secret visits to the shed, leading to her mysterious demise. In the final scene, a bloodied ferret appears, and Conradin breathes a sigh of relief, feeling liberated from his oppressive existence.

Mr. Wheelock: The Facade of Perfection

On the surface, Mr. Wheelock epitomizes the image of a content husband with a perfect family. However, beneath this façade lies a discontented man yearning for escape. Dissatisfied with his life, Mr. Wheelock's wife openly mocks him, questioning his masculinity, while his daughter remains emotionally distant. The narrative unfolds as Mr. Wheelock contemplates the story of a man who vanished after twenty years of monotonous routine, providing the catalyst for his own fantasies of escape.

Mr. Wheelock, unlike Conradin, possesses agency in his decision-making. He daydreams about breaking free from the shackles of societal expectations. Despite having an opportunity to alter his life, he continuously finds reasons to delay his escape. The monotony of clipping hedges becomes his only solace, a mundane task that allows him to fantasize about liberation. Unlike Conradin, Mr. Wheelock's struggles are more internal, rooted in societal expectations and personal dissatisfaction.

A Tale of Two Escapes: Bravery vs. Cowardice

Conradin and Mr. Wheelock share the commonality of being suppressed by dominant figures in their lives. Conradin contends with the oppressive rule of Mrs. De Ropp, while Mr. Wheelock grapples with societal expectations embodied by his wife. However, a stark difference lies in their responses to their respective challenges.

Conradin, despite his young age and dire circumstances, refuses to succumb to despair. He places his hopes in the deity he has created, Sredni Vashtar, and continuously implores for liberation. The ferret becomes both a symbol of fear and a harbinger of freedom. Conradin's resilience and determination, despite the odds stacked against him, highlight his bravery in the face of adversity.

On the other hand, Mr. Wheelock's internal struggles remain largely unexpressed. Despite having the agency to change his life, he succumbs to cowardice, finding excuses to delay his escape. His inability to confront his dissatisfactions head-on results in a stagnant existence, and he becomes a prisoner of his own indecision. The contrast between the characters underscores the theme of agency and decision-making.

Conclusion: Unraveling Dreams and Desires

In the exploration of "Sredni Vashtar" and "Such a Pretty Little Picture", the characters of Conradin and Mr. Wheelock emerge as complex individuals grappling with the desire for freedom. Conradin's tale is one of bravery and resilience, as he confronts the harsh realities of his short life. In contrast, Mr. Wheelock's struggles are internal, rooted in societal expectations and personal dissatisfaction.

Both characters navigate worlds that confine them, using their imagination as a tool for escape. The symbolism of Sredni Vashtar and the act of clipping hedges becomes a metaphor for their desires for liberation. While Conradin actively seeks freedom, Mr. Wheelock remains trapped by his own indecision. The stories serve as poignant reflections on the human condition, unraveling the complexities of dreams, desires, and the choices that shape our lives.