29/04/24 Camila Carballo
The Luncheon - summary
The narrative unfolds with a man meeting a woman at a play and agreeing to an expensive
lunch, Foyot's, despite financial struggles.
He feels flattered by her request for a meal he can barely afford. The woman's extravagant
choices, like caviar and salmon, worsen the financial strain, as she insists on eating only one
item for lunch, leading to the costly selection of giant asparagus.
Anxiously, the man calculates the bill, contemplating extreme measures for a potential
shortfall, while the woman remains oblivious to his financial predicament. The woman's
indulgent meal leaves the man in dire financial straits, with minimal funds for a tip,
contrasting with her unconcerned attitude towards expenses.
Eventually, the story mentions her significant weight gain, reaching twenty-one stone, adding
a humorous twist to the short story. In the end, the man's wallet is lighter, and the woman's
weight is heavier, symbolizing the asymmetry of their burdens.