"I think a man should be gentle," she said, not looking directly at him. "Strong, and bold, of course; but especially gentle."
"Indeed," he said. "How intriguing. I agree that a man possessing strength and boldness is worthy of some praise; but there is no call for gentleness. That is an attribute more fitting for a lady, I should think."
She laughed. "A lady should appear gentle," she said, "but can never be so, if she is to survive in this world."
"And what then of a man, that is both strong and bold - as you require - but is not truly gentle?"
"Such a man," said she, turning to face him directly, "is vulgar."
He knew that she had said, in not so many words, that such a man was he. He hid his humiliation by turning and leaving, in search of a more gentle creature, with eyes that might adore, rather than pierce him.
This little scene is my response to Three Word Wednesday number CXCVII. The prompting words are gentle, praise and vulgar.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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9 comments:
relationships and expectations! We are silly creatures and manage to disappoint ourselves all the time. This was an interesting point of view and I admit I felt a bit sorry for him.
@Dee: I'm glad you had a "feeling" response. Funnily, though I wrote from his POV, I didn't actually like him: too arrogant.
The woman comes across passive agressive to him, but it sounds like she needs to be.
Nicely done, Bernard.
I like the dialog and the undertones of the two. He is doing the right thing by looking for someone else.
I enjoyed this alot, Bernard.
-Tim
This one pulled me in right away; well-written
How about vulgar and gentle? I think I could swing that.
Also enjoyed this, Bernard.
There is a flow to this that I find interesting, captivating. Very good read.
Thanks all for your kind comments. @Mr Wiswell: a lady cannot possibly stand for one that is vulgar, however gentle. Such is perhaps suited to the fish-seller's daughter and the parlour maid.
I enjoyed this -- it was fast and sharp. Great dialogue.
I did wonder, however, if perhaps... she secretly prefers a man to be vulgar? If he's walked away, he'll never find out. ;)
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