Preview

Summary Of The Vagrant

Satisfactory Essays
Open Document
Open Document
202 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Summary Of The Vagrant
huge celebration for the returned veterans, whose number includes Percy as well as Dunstan. During the ceremony, he notices a big ring around Leola's finger, and surmises that she has returned to Percy. He is slightly offended that she kept this news from him, though not at all emotionally upset.

Immediately after the ceremony, Dunstan publicly gives Percy and Leola his blessing. He also flashes his V.C. medal much, to Percy’s chagrin.

Dunstan visits his empty house to collect his belongings and a special item that remains undisclosed. From Milo - now the town barber - he learns of all the gossip he missed. Apparently, people had always thought Mrs. Ramsay had continued to send Dunstan to visit Mrs. Dempster after her encounter with the vagrant.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    A Boy is A Man in Miniature. This is an analysis of the novel Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. Specifically about the concept of being twice born.
    • 1072 Words
    • 3 Pages

    A Boy is A Man in Miniature. This is an analysis of the novel Fifth Business by Robertson Davies. Specifically about the concept of being twice born.

    To begin, Dunstable Ramsay began in Deptford, and as a result of his relationship with his parents, specifically his mother, Dunny needed to reinvent himself. His first step was to remove himself from Deptford and join the army and it was during the war that Dunstable became born again. In the hospital, Diana decided that Dunstable "...sounds like a cart rumbling over cobblestones…" (Davies 85) so she gave him the name Dunstan. During this time, Dunny also discovers that his parents had passed away during the war, but Dunny says, "I felt the loss so little" (Davies 74). As a result, all his strong ties to Deptford had been cut. As Paul says at the end of the novel, "I can 't imagine your parents foreseeing that you would become a theorizer of myth and legend… Hard people - especially your mother" (Davies 253) which is true; Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay would never have thought that their son would have become a writer of saints, with a new name, completely different life from his roots in Deptford. Moreover, Liesl says to Dunny, "One always knows the twice born" (Davies 217) and Dunny is clearly in that group.…

    • 1072 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Fifth Business Guilt Quotes
    • 692 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Fifth Business Guilt Quotes

    Percy is a constant figure that has been present in Dunstan's life since day one. When Percy threw a snowball containing a rock it caused Mrs Dempster to go into labour prematurely. Dunstan, who was meant to be hit by the snowball, later on, harbours a lot of guilt for causing Mary to go into labour, which he struggles dealing with throughout his life. "Then- a madwoman! Struck by a snowball. I don't suppose you have any idea who threw it, have you? No, I didn't Imagine you…

    • 692 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Fifth Business Questions
    • 545 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Fifth Business Questions

    The event that irrevocably altered Dunstable Ramsay’s life was his first encounter with Mrs. Dempster. She was the wife of the town’s Baptist pastor, Amasa Dempster, and was with child at the time of this untimely encounter. It was 5:58 PM on December 27th, 1908 and Dunstable “Dunny” Ramsay was retreating back to his home in Deptford, Ontario, after a long day of sledding with his lifelong friend and enemy Percy Boyd Stauton. The two boys were fighting over an altercation involving the speed of their sleds and Percy was pelting snowballs at Dunny as he scampered home. Just as ran past the Dempsters, Dunny ducked to avoid an oncoming snowball, leaving the pregnant Mrs. Dempster in the path of Percy’s rapidly approaching snowball. His aim was impeccable, and he managed to knock her off her feet and into the snow screaming in pain. The ordeal caused her to enter premature labour, which called for the swift aid of Dunny’s caring mother. She helped the town’s doctor deliver Paul Dempster prematurely.…

    • 545 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Fifth Business Illusion Vs Reality Quotes
    • 962 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Fifth Business Illusion Vs Reality Quotes

    A psychological truth Dunstan Ramsay posses in the novel is the belief that Mary Dempster is a saint. Even at a young age, Dunstan believed that “She lived by a light that arose from within.” (46). As a result of this belief Dunstan had, he then got interested in saints and continued to study it until he became an expert in hagiology. But his efforts are futile, because later on he learns that Mary Dempster is merely a fool-saint. A fool-saint is someone who seems to have all the qualities of a saint, except for Prudence. But Dunstan chooses to ignore this fact and continued on with believing that she is…

    • 962 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Fifth Business Dunstan Character Analysis
    • 433 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Fifth Business Dunstan Character Analysis

    Also, Dunstan did come to terms, through Blazon's analysis of his awareness, with the figure of Mrs. Dempster in his life, especially with his feelings of guilt about her. In a somewhat ruthlessly practical twist on the idea of God's plan, Blazon counsels Dunstan to accept that Mrs. Dempster's sanity may have been sacrificed to God for a reason, and not to dwell on it and make it his personal problem. While Dunstan doesn't always agree with Blazon, his advice is certainly good for his self-examination.…

    • 433 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Characters of Fifth Business
    • 335 Words
    • 1 Page

    Characters of Fifth Business

    Dunstan (Dunstable) Ramsay — The main focus and narrator of the novel. As the [fictional] author of the novel (supposedly a letter written to a headmaster of his old school) he takes the air of extravagance, portraying his actions to be holy justified, otherwise brushing them aside in his appealing manner, as he retells his life's story from childhood to his current present. Born at the turn of the 20th century, he is maimed in WWI, wins a Victoria Cross, and devotes his life to the study of saints and myths, spending time with Bollandistscholars.…

    • 335 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Fifth Business - Guilt Essay Example
    • 1610 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Fifth Business - Guilt Essay Example

    The guilt felt by Dunstan altered the way he lives through his complete devotion for Mary Dempster. Dunstan’s guilt is the result of his religious upbringing. This guilt is caused by Percy Boyd Staunton when he throws the snowball that hits Mrs Dempster, resulting in her madness and Paul’s premature birth. Dunstan takes it upon himself to be the bearer of the guilt and feels responsible for the Dempster’s misery. Because of this burden of guilt, he commits his life to Mary Dempster. Dunstan handles the Dempster’s chores and cares for Mary and her son, Paul. By understanding Mrs Dempster, it no longer becames a moral obligation to care for her but a deep sense of commitment that he placed on himself through his meetings with Mrs Dempster. Dunstan’s escape out of Deptford through the army, may have allowed him to temporarily leave his guilt behind, but Dunstan’s guilt still remains. He sees the face of Mary Dempster during his time of pain in war, through the statue of the Immaculate Conception, showing the guilt that he still holds onto dearly. After returning to Deptford, Dunstan commits himself to the care of Mrs Dempster again, “I visited Mrs. Dempster forty Saturdays every year and at Easter, Christmas and on her birthday in addition,” (Davies 182). Evidently, his guilt still lingers. Dunstan fulfills his commitment by caring for Mrs Dempster until her…

    • 1610 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Princess Alyss Character Analysis
    • 990 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Princess Alyss Character Analysis

    The Liddell’s are in the awe by Alyss’ appearance and behavior. The author is saying that Alyss has never acted this way in front of her parents; grown up. When Alyss refers to them as, “Yes mother” and “Thank you father” it is as if she accepts the fact she’s stuck with them and takes it into a liking. The Liddell’s seemed to be happy that she’s growing fond of them. “Marriage? Again, she felt the tug of a long-buried affection for who...she would not allow herself to think of him. She had to be realistic” (Beddor 171). Alyss just got asked to be married by Prince Leopold. When Alyss said, “I accept, Leopold” Alyss is saying she accepts the marriage and realizes it is not fair for Leopold, but for her mother. “Where are we going? she breathed. You’ll see!” (Beddor 205). Dodge just took Alyss from her wedding, escaping the Cat, but Alyss not sure it is Dodge. When Dodge says, “You’ll see!” Alyss starts thinking about Wonderland, if he is taking her back their. They have their hands clasped, but going into the portal they lose each other’s hand. Will she lose Dodge,…

    • 990 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Theme of Guilt in Hamlet & Fifth Business
    • 941 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Theme of Guilt in Hamlet & Fifth Business

    In the novel Fifth Business, guilt is a plague that has spread throughout the lives of Dunstan Ramsay, and Paul Dempster; both characters are drenched with guilt that was a result of a tragic incident caused by Percy Staunton Boyd when he threw the snowball and it “hit Mrs. Dempster on the back of the head.” (Davies, 2). Dunstan experiences guilt early on in his childhood, realizing it is him who ultimately caused the premature labour of Paul, “Nevertheless this conversation reheated my strong sense of guilt and responsibility about Paul.” (Davies, 136). As the guilt overtakes his life, Dunny compares what he is feeling to what dying feels like and questions whether that would be better than dealing with this overwhelming guilt: “Ah, if dying were all there was to it! Hell and torment at once, but at least you know where you stand. It is living with these guilty secrets that exacts the price” (Davies, 19). Born prematurely, Paul Dempster was convicted of being guilty as he was responsible for robbing his mother of her sanity, as explained to him by his father, Amasa Dempster, “My father always told me it was my birth that…

    • 941 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Free Catcher In The Rye Essays: Patient Holden Caulfield
    • 233 Words
    • 1 Page

    Free Catcher In The Rye Essays: Patient Holden Caulfield

    Patient Holden Caulfield is a 16 year old male. He is from a wealthy family that live in New York. He is one of four Children. His youngest brother Allie died from Leukemia when he was 11 years old and Holden was 13 years old. Him and Allie had a very good relationship and they were good friends. “You'd have liked him. He was two years younger than I was, but he was about fifty times as intelligent. He was terrifically intelligent” (Salinger 38). Holden speaks very highly of his brother. His older brothers name was D.B. D.B. lives in Hollywood where he is a screenwriter. Holden describes his as a “prostitute” (Salinger 2). His youngest sister Phoebe is ten years old. He speaks very highly of her. “You should see her. You never saw a little…

    • 233 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Understanding Dunstan
    • 1827 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Understanding Dunstan

    Robertson Davies’ novel Fifth Business outlines the development of the lost and empty main character Dunstan Ramsay. Dunstan forms many relationships on many different levels. Each of Dunstan’s private and intimate relationships gave him a unique view of his identity. These relationships help him understand and get closer to the accomplishments of his quest of self knowledge, happiness, and ultimately fulfilling his role as ‘Fifth Business’. Diana, Liesl and Mrs. Dempster play vital roles in Dunstan’s understanding of himself.…

    • 1827 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Mayflower Summary
    • 1089 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Mayflower Summary

    The difficult journey of the Pilgrims began when they left England for Leiden, Holland. At the time, King James required all citizens to follow the Church of England. However like many separatists of the time, the Pilgrims wanted to worship as they pleased (4). After many years in Holland, the Pilgrims decided that it was once again time to move. While Holland was religiously tolerant, the country required the Pilgrims to work difficult jobs that were hard on their bodies. In addition to health concerns, the Pilgrims were afraid that the younger members of their congregation were losing touch with their English heritage. They felt like embarking on a journey to the New World would let them establish a community with their own religion and English culture (17).…

    • 1089 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    African American Injustice
    • 112 Words
    • 1 Page

    African American Injustice

    There is a huge number of African Americans who are employed in common labor, in which most of them are now engaged, sure that there is no desire for the advancement of Negroes in their employ because they have difficulty with people of their own race. In other words, they have not yet been able to adjust or accept taking orders from another person of their own race.…

    • 112 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: My Virtual Child Development
    • 1547 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My Virtual Child Development

    My husband Brett and I, were not able to have children of our own. So we contacted the best adoption agency around us, through this agency we now have two beautiful children. Six year old Joseph Louis and three year old Poppy Jean. Joseph is a “slow to warm up” (Mannis 2014) child and though we are working on ways to improve this we are so blessed to have two healthy children. I know that Joseph is a “slow to warm up baby” because he is very loving and very adventurous but it takes him a little bit of time before he is comfortable, he also will use me as a secure base. Times have been very hard especially with…

    • 1547 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Memoir: The Homeless
    • 708 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Memoir: The Homeless

    The moment I looked out the window of the car and my eyes turned to the row of homeless people weaving its way through the traffic begging for money, I jumped out of my seat. It was my first visit to India after leaving the country for the United States. The homeless people's’ hands were making weird gestures and thumping the windows of the honking cars. I could not digest what I was seeing! While reaching out to an old woman to give her some money, I thought about what non homeless people could do to help those without a home and basic needs. Then, I asked myself a question. Why not give them something that will be with them forever and help them out of their poverty and teach them valuable skills? After all, a mountain of…

    • 708 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics