Peter (short story)

Last updated
"Peter"
Short story by Willa Cather
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Genre(s) Short story
Publication
Published in The Mahogany Tree
Publication type Literary magazine
Publication date1892

Peter is a short story by Willa Cather. It was first published in The Mahogany Tree in 1892. [1]

Contents

The story is about a violinist, who once had a distinguished career in Prague. Unable to play music due to his shaking arm, the man is pressured by his son to sell his violin. After reminiscing about his life, the man tries to perform one last song. Failing to do so, he breaks his violin and commits suicide by firearm. His son still finds a way to profit from the violin's remaining bow.

Plot summary

Peter Sadelack played second chair violin in Prague, and, despite losing his ability to play, continues to treasure his violin. His eldest son, Antone, tries to convince Peter to sell the violin. The story then describes his glamorous life back in Bohemia as he reminisces. After comparing his past and current lives, he attempts to play "Ave Maria", or Ellens dritter Gesang, on his violin. He cannot finish the song because of his shaking arm. Peter takes his violin to the stable and takes down Antone's gun. He breaks the violin and then shoots himself.

Antone finds his father frozen in the stable the next morning. He notices that his father forgot to break the bow, and he plans to sell it in town. Because Peter committed suicide outside in the cold, his body was unable to be straightened for a coffin; he is buried in a pine box instead.

Characters

Allusions to actual history

Allusions to other works

Criticism and significance

Peter was retouched and submitted for publication by her English professor, Herbert Bates, without her knowledge. [2]

It has been argued that Peter reappeared in My Ántonia , with Mr Shimerda's suicide. [2]

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References

  1. ↑ Willa Cather's Collected Short Fiction, University of Nebraska Press; Rev Ed edition, 1 Nov 1970, page 543
  2. 1 2 Willa Cather's Collected Short Fiction, University of Nebraska Press; Rev Ed edition, 1 Nov 1970, 'Introduction' by Mildred R. Bennett, page xxvii
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