'To their sorrow,' said Elmer.
'Folks got to be protected,' said Ivy, 'and armor and castles don't come cheap.'
Elmer rubbed his eyes. 'Ivy, would you tell me what it is we're being protected from that's so much worse than what we've got?' he said. 'I'd love to have a look at it, and then make up my own mind about what scares me most.'
Ivy wasn't listening to him. She was thrilled to the approach of hoofbeats.
- Kurt Vonnegut, 'The Unicorn Trap'
1 comment:
The Unicorn Trap is a wonderful short story. It conjures up a family in England right after the conquest of William the Conqueror, consisting of a husband, wife and son. The father has just learned that he has been appointed as tax collector for the French regime that now rules his community, and he is not happy at the prospect. A few short pages, but the story packs a punch, demonstrating the nature of compliance with authority, rebellion against authority, and creativity in the face of adversity. Filled with humor and pathos as well. Highly recommended.
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