Everyone knows the content of Bunin's story, which refers to a rich gentleman who suddenly died on the deck of a luxury yacht. This work is included in the school curriculum. Today we will recall some details of the plot of the short story of the last Russian classic , and also answer the question " what did the gentleman from San Francisco die from".
Characteristics of the main character
Little is said about the life of the hero. And the work itself is small. However, Bunin made it clear that the life of his character is faceless, monotonous, one might even say, unspiritual. The biography of a wealthy American is described in the first paragraph. He was 58 years old. For many years he worked, saved up and increased his fortune. He achieved a lot and now, in his declining years, he decided to take from life what he previously did not have enough time for. Namely, to go on a trip.
What did a gentleman from San Francisco die at the age of 58? After all, only now he began to truly live. Planned a trip to Monte Carlo, Venice, Paris, Seville and other wonderful cities. On the way back, I dreamed of visiting Japan. But not fate. The life of many people takes place in works. Not everyone has the opportunity to relax, have fun, visit distant countries. But Bunin’s work is not about a workaholic who has devoted his life to his beloved work. This is the story of a person whose existence was aimed at achieving financial well-being and the imaginary respect of others.
A gentleman from San Francisco was once a penniless young man. Once, apparently, he set out to become a millionaire. He succeeded. Thousands of Chinese people worked tirelessly at his enterprise. He became rich. However, he did not live, but existed. Can life be called continuous overcoming barriers?
Steamboat
The writer compares the deck, cabins, room for attendants with the circles of Hell Dante. A wealthy American, his wife and daughter do not know anything about what is happening below. They relax, spend time as befits people of their circle: have breakfast, drink coffee in a restaurant, then have lunch, slowly walk around the deck. The gentleman from San Francisco has long dreamed of a vacation. However, it turned out that he did not know how to relax. He spends time as if on an approved schedule. However, he himself did not notice this, being in anticipation of the venal love of young Neapolitans, a carnival in Monte Carlo, a bullfight in Seville.
And somewhere far away, in the lower cabins, dozens of workers work. A lot of people serve the hero of Bunin and similar gentlemen. The " owners of life " are entitled to a luxurious vacation. They deserve it.
The gentleman from San Francisco is quite generous. He believes in the care of all those who feed him, feed him, serve him at breakfast. Although, perhaps, he never thought about the degree of sincerity of the staff. This is a man who does not see anything, as they say, beyond his nose.
What did the lord from San Francisco die from? Surrounding people warn him of the slightest desires, protect his purity and peace, drag his suitcases. He is in a state that can be called happiness. At least he had never experienced anything like it before.
In Palermo
Before answering the question of why the gentleman from San Francisco died, it is worth telling about his last days. They passed in the picturesque Palermo. Helpful guides broadcasting local attractions scurried around here.
A successful businessman knew how to pay. True, there are things in this world that cannot be purchased for money. As luck would have it, the weather turned bad. From noon the sun was gray, light rain began. The city seemed dirty, cramped, the museums were monotonous. An American with his family decided to leave Palermo. Where did the lord from San Francisco die? A successful businessman died before he could complete his journey on the island of Capri .
Last hours
Capri Island welcomed the American family more hospitably. At first it was damp and dark, but soon nature came to life. And here a gentleman from San Francisco was surrounded by a caring crowd. He was served, catered for, offered to him - met in accordance with his social and financial situation. Arrivals were given apartments, which more recently were occupied by another no less high person. Pheasants, asparagus, roast beef were served for dinner.
What did the protagonist of the story think about in the last minutes? About wine, tarantella, upcoming walk in Capri . Philosophical thoughts did not attend him. However, as in the previous 58 years.
Death
The gentleman from San Francisco was going to spend a rather pleasant evening. Spent a lot of time on the toilet. When he was ready for the next stage of luxurious, but clearly planned leisure, he decided to go to the reading room. There he took a comfortable leather chair, unfolded a newspaper, looked through a note about the never-ending Balkan War. At this unremarkable moment, he died.
After death
What did the lord from San Francisco die from? Most likely from a heart attack. Bunin said nothing about the diagnosis of his hero. But it does not matter what the cause of the death of a rich American is. The important thing is how he lived his life and what happened after his death.
And after the death of the rich gentleman, nothing happened at all. Unless other guests have a little spoiled mood. In order not to upset the impressionable gentlemen, the corridor and the footman quickly carried the dead American into a cramped, worst room.
Why did the lord from San Francisco die? His death irreparably ruined such a beautiful evening. The guests returned to the dining room, had lunch, but their faces were displeased, offended. The owner of the hotel approached one or the other, apologized for such an unpleasant situation, in which, of course, he was not to blame. Meanwhile, the hero of the story was lying in a cheap room, on a cheap bed, under a cheap blanket. Nobody smiled at him, did not serve him. He was no longer interesting to anyone.