It May Never Happen by V. S. Pritchett
"It May Never Happen" by V. S. Pritchett is a narrative that follows the experiences of a seventeen-year-old named Vincent, who begins working for his Uncle Belton at the Beautifix Furniture Company. Initially excited about his new job, Vincent quickly learns that the company is not the promising venture it was made out to be. The partnership between Belton, an optimistic dreamer, and Mr. Phillimore, a nervous and clumsy counterpart, reflects a complex dynamic as each relies on the other's weaknesses. The story unfolds with Vincent's observations of their contrasting personalities and the company's precarious position in the market, especially with the looming presence of their rival, Salter.
As Vincent navigates the workplace, he witnesses the tension between Belton and Phillimore, particularly regarding a needlework motto that sparks differing interpretations about fear and futility. Amidst professional turmoil, Vincent grapples with his feelings for Miss Croft, who seems unattainable and is regarded with disdain by both men. The narrative escalates when Phillimore's behavior deteriorates, culminating in a dramatic incident with Miss Croft that ultimately leads to his departure from the firm. The story concludes with Vincent reflecting on Phillimore's fate, capturing themes of insecurity, ambition, and the fragility of human relationships.
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It May Never Happen by V. S. Pritchett
First published: 1945
Type of plot: Satire
Time of work: About 1917
Locale: London
Principal Characters:
Vincent , the narrator and protagonist, seventeen years oldMr. Belton , Vincent's uncle, a partner and salesperson in a furniture factoryMr. Phillimore , Belton's partnerMiss Croft , the company secretary, slightly older than VincentMr. Salter , Belton's former partner, now a competitor
The Story
At age seventeen, Vincent is sent to work for his Uncle Belton, a dapper, dreamy man who makes Vincent believe that this job is the opportunity of a lifetime. Everyone assures Vincent that he has his foot on the first rung of the ladder, that life is now beginning for him. On his first day, Vincent takes the train to work with his uncle, who along the way gives the boy the impression that Mr. Phillimore, his partner, is the genius of the firm, a man to be feared and respected. He encourages Vincent to remember young Samuel of the Old Testament, who, when he heard the voice of God, replied, "Speak Lord, thy servant heareth." Belton thinks it would not be inappropriate to think the same thoughts when Phillimore calls.
The Beautifix Furniture Company turns out to be a modest enterprise, precariously supported by the capital Phillimore brought to the firm. In Belton's eyes, however, it was he who saved Phillimore from the clutches of a possessive mother. Phillimore is also something less than the godlike figure Belton had described on the train. Effeminate, clumsy, and dithering, his chief virtue in Belton's view is his high regard for Belton. Vincent soon learns that their partnership is like a marriage, each member of which is sustained by the weaknesses of the other. Belton and Phillimore are temperamental opposites, too. Belton is dreamy, optimistic, and idle, while Phillimore is fretful and pessimistic. One day, Belton returns to the office with a framed needlework piece bearing the motto, "It may never happen." Predictably, the two men differ on its interpretation. For Belton, it is an encouragement not to worry about problems that may never arise; for Phillimore, it means precisely the opposite, that life would be futile if one's fears were never realized. "I should die!" he confides to Vincent, who is beginning to think that Phillimore is no fool.
As time passes, Vincent increasingly realizes the uncertain future of the business. Belton's fears (when he can confront them) are focused on the competition from his ex-partner Salter, whom he regards almost as Satan incarnate. One day at lunch, however, Vincent sees this enemy, who turns out to be just as worried and dejected as Phillimore in his worst moments. Rumors circulate through the office that Belton is looking for another partner to provide a new influx of capital, and Phillimore begins behaving more strangely than usual, dropping hints that young Vincent (whom he continually calls Vernon) should be courting Miss Croft. Miss Croft regards young Vincent with the disdain a young woman always has for an adolescent boy, but he regards her as something remote, exotic, and untouchable. He believes that she is in love with Phillimore. All these tensions—commercial and romantic—come to a climax one day when Phillimore comes into the office drunk and insults Miss Croft by emptying a drawer full of papers over her head. Later that day, Phillimore also tries to kiss her, but she rejects his advances. Phillimore walks out of the office and does not return. They learn eventually that he has joined the enemy—Salter.
Eighteen months later, Vincent sees Phillimore in a crowd and overhears him say to someone, "I should die." Phillimore then sees Vincent and gives him a contemptuous look before disappearing forever into the crowd.