The Man of the World by Frank O'Connor
"The Man of the World" by Frank O'Connor is a short story that explores themes of innocence, experience, and the complexities of understanding human relationships. The protagonist, Larry, is depicted as a naive young boy who approaches life with simplicity and a lack of awareness about the deeper realities around him. His journey begins when he visits his friend, Jimmy Leary, who prides himself on being worldly and sophisticated. Jimmy attempts to impart his views on life and relationships to Larry, positioning himself as a mentor.
As the story unfolds, Larry's eagerness to learn and his desire to emulate Jimmy lead him to a situation where he is encouraged to spy on a young couple, a rite of passage that Jimmy promises will reveal the complexities of adult life. However, the revelation takes an unexpected turn when the couple is found engaged in prayer rather than the anticipated intimacy. This moment becomes pivotal for Larry, prompting a profound realization about privacy, respect, and the inherent sanctity of personal experiences. Overall, "The Man of the World" offers a subtle critique of perceived sophistication and the often-overlooked depth of human interactions.
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The Man of the World by Frank O'Connor
First published: 1957
Type of plot: Domestic realism
Time of work: The early twentieth century
Locale: Ireland
Principal Characters:
Larry , the young protagonistJimmy Leary , the young but experienced man who befriends and instructs Larry
The Story
The protagonist, Larry, is a naïve, very young person who knows nothing of the world. Unable to see beyond the appearances of things, he takes everything and everyone at face value. He is first seen in a comic light taking his possessions to spend a few days at his friend's house. He calls this ordinary experience a holiday, and the neighbors laugh at his pretension and innocence. His friend, Jimmy Leary, considers himself to be a man of the world and looks down on nearly everyone in the neighborhood; however, he is willing, even proud, to teach Larry the knowledge of the world he has precociously acquired. He is authoritative about the true nature of women and the neighbors' economic condition; this knowledge is defined, in Larry's words, as sophisticated.
Larry ardently anticipates the promised change that will move him from the world of appearances to understanding the true reality represented by Jimmy's sophistication. He does have doubts about what this initiation will involve; however, when he sees his parents at home in the world, he is troubled by what he is about to learn. He goes to his friend's house to spy on a young couple in the next house. They have recently moved in, and the frugal landlady has not provided the place with shades. Jimmy has promised to show Larry a few things, and Larry agrees because he wishes to become like Jimmy.
The hidden reality that is to be revealed is apparently a sexual one. This is clearly suggested by the repeated use of the word "sophisticated" and the proposed spying on a young married couple. Jimmy is described as being a collector of such illegitimate probing into people's lives; however, when they spy on the couple, the boys discover them praying rather than making love. Larry suddenly feels he is intruding on something intimate and personal. He feels the presence of eternity watching him.