Holiday Group by E M Delafield
1Digest
The story follows the Reverend Herbert Cliff and his wife Julia as they plan a holiday at the seaside after receiving a legacy. They face difficulties finding suitable lodgings, especially with three young children, and encounter the typical challenges of a family vacation. Julia, initially reluctant to leave home, eventually enjoys the holiday, while Herbert, despite his best intentions, struggles to understand Julia's exhaustion and sleepiness. The story highlights the contrasting experiences of a holiday, with Julia finding contentment in family time and Herbert yearning for a more carefree escape. The narrative concludes with a sense of gratitude and the hope for future holidays, emphasizing the importance of family and the joy of shared experiences.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Reverend Herbert Cliff and his wife Julia, who are planning a holiday at the seaside after receiving a legacy. They discuss their plans and the challenges of finding suitable lodgings for their three children.
The Holiday Begins
This Chapter details Julia's journey to Buele to find lodgings for their holiday. She faces difficulties finding available rooms, especially with three children, and eventually secures a place at Eventide, a lodging house run by Mrs. Parker.
Departure and Arrival
This Chapter describes the Cliff Hay family's departure for their holiday. They face challenges with packing, getting the children ready, and dealing with the baby's sleep schedule. They finally arrive at Eventide and begin their holiday.
The Daily Routine
This Chapter establishes the daily routine of the Cliff Hay family during their holiday. They spend their days on the sands, bathing, and exploring the town. Julia reflects on her changing role as a mother and compares her current experiences to her childhood holidays.
The Challenges of a Family Holiday
This Chapter explores the challenges of a family holiday, particularly the exhaustion and sleepiness experienced by Julia. Herbert, despite his best intentions, struggles to understand her fatigue. The story highlights the contrasting experiences of a holiday, with Julia finding contentment in family time and Herbert yearning for a more carefree escape.
The End of the Holiday
This Chapter describes the end of the Cliff Hay family's holiday. They face the usual challenges of settling the bill and dealing with the landlady. Despite the difficulties, they leave with a sense of gratitude and the hope for future holidays.
Keywords
Reverend Herbert Cliff
The main male character in the story, a clergyman who is planning a holiday at the seaside with his wife and children. He is described as kind and well-meaning, but sometimes struggles to understand his wife's needs and desires.
Julia Cliff
The main female character in the story, the wife of the Reverend Herbert Cliff. She is a mother of three young children and is initially reluctant to leave home for a holiday. However, she eventually enjoys the time with her family and finds contentment in their shared experiences.
Buele
A seaside town in England where the Cliff Hay family decides to spend their holiday. It is described as a small town with a cinema, a pier, and a number of lodgings.
Eventide
The lodging house where the Cliff Hay family stays during their holiday. It is located on a hill overlooking the sea and is run by Mrs. Parker, a landlady who is known for her strict rules and high prices.
Second Honeymoon
A term used by the Reverend Herbert Cliff to describe his holiday with his wife, suggesting a desire for a romantic getaway. However, the reality of the holiday is more complicated, as they are traveling with their three children.
Family Holiday
The central theme of the story, exploring the challenges and joys of a family vacation. The story highlights the contrasting experiences of a holiday, with Julia finding contentment in family time and Herbert yearning for a more carefree escape.
Sea Air
A recurring motif in the story, representing the restorative and invigorating qualities of the seaside. However, it also has a negative effect on Julia, causing her to become excessively sleepy.
Mrs. Parker
The landlady of Eventide, a strict and demanding woman who is known for her high prices and strict rules. She represents the challenges of dealing with lodging providers during a holiday.
Legacy
The financial inheritance that allows the Cliff Hay family to afford their holiday. It represents the financial security that enables them to take a break from their everyday lives.
Q&A
What prompts the Reverend Herbert Cliff and his wife Julia to plan a holiday?
They receive a legacy, which allows them to afford a holiday at the seaside.
What challenges do they face in finding suitable lodgings?
They have three young children, and many lodgings are full or do not accept children.
How does Julia feel about the holiday initially?
She is reluctant to leave home, but eventually enjoys the time with her family.
What is the main conflict between Julia and Herbert during the holiday?
Julia is constantly tired and sleepy, while Herbert struggles to understand her exhaustion.
What is the significance of the sea air in the story?
It represents the restorative and invigorating qualities of the seaside, but it also has a negative effect on Julia, causing her to become excessively sleepy.
How does the story end?
The Cliff Hay family leaves Eventide with a sense of gratitude and the hope for future holidays.
What is the main theme of the story?
The story explores the challenges and joys of a family vacation, highlighting the contrasting experiences of a holiday, with Julia finding contentment in family time and Herbert yearning for a more carefree escape.
What is the significance of the legacy in the story?
It represents the financial security that enables the Cliff Hay family to take a break from their everyday lives.
How does the story portray the relationship between Julia and Herbert?
The story portrays a loving but sometimes strained relationship, with Herbert struggling to understand Julia's needs and desires.
What is the overall tone of the story?
The story has a bittersweet tone, highlighting both the joys and challenges of a family holiday.
Show Notes
Fall asleep tonight to a short story by E M Delafield. A vicar's family holidays in Devon. Support the podcast and enjoy ad-free and bonus episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. For other podcast platforms go to https://justsleeppodcast.com/support
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