And Five Were Foolish

In Short

And Five Were Foolish is a collection of ten short stories by Dornford Yates, a master of light fiction, published in the early 20th century. Each story delves into the intricacies of love, marriage, and human relationships, often with a touch of humor and a keen eye for social dynamics. The tales are set in England and France, featuring a cast of characters from various social strata, including aristocrats, artists, and the upper middle class. Yates’s writing is characterized by sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and a deep understanding of human nature. The stories explore themes of desire, betrayal, redemption, and the often foolish choices people make in the name of love. The book has endured due to its timeless exploration of relationships and its engaging, witty prose.

The Story

The book opens with "Sarah," where a young woman is caught between two suitors, one of whom she is engaged to out of obligation rather than love. The story sets the tone for the collection, exploring the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. In "Madeleine," a married woman’s affair with a young artist is portrayed with both passion and tragedy, highlighting the consequences of forbidden love. "Katharine" delves into a troubled marriage, where a couple’s misunderstandings and pride lead to a temporary separation, only to be reconciled through a series of humorous and poignant letters. "Spring" tells the story of a groom who marries a wealthy woman to save his ancestral home, only to discover that she is the love of his life. "Elizabeth" involves a legal case where a woman’s reputation is at stake, showcasing Yates’s ability to blend drama with wit. "Jo" is a heart-wrenching tale of a young woman’s illness and her final moments, told through the eyes of her devoted friend. "Athalia" explores the dynamics of wealth and love, as a wealthy woman tests a suitor’s motives. "Ann" follows a young woman’s escape from a stifling family situation, highlighting themes of independence and self-discovery. "Eleanor" is a comedic tale of a wedding orchestrated by a couple’s friends, filled with witty banter and social commentary. The final story, "Susan," features a young woman who stands up to a presumptuous man, showcasing her independence and wit. The collection ends on a note of empowerment and self-awareness, tying together the themes of love, choice, and personal growth.

How It Unfolds

The Engagement Dilemma: In "Sarah," the protagonist is engaged to a man she doesn’t love, while her heart belongs to another. The story unfolds through a series of conversations and internal monologues, revealing her conflict and eventual resolution. Forbidden Love: "Madeleine" begins with a chance encounter between a married woman and a young artist, leading to a passionate but doomed affair. The narrative is driven by their clandestine meetings and the societal pressures that ultimately tear them apart. Marital Misunderstandings: "Katharine" opens with a heated argument between a husband and wife, leading to a temporary separation. The story progresses through their letters, which reveal their true feelings and lead to reconciliation. Unexpected Romance: "Spring" starts with a groom’s financial troubles, prompting him to marry for money. The plot twists when he discovers genuine love for his bride, culminating in a heartwarming resolution. Legal Intrigue: "Elizabeth" centers on a legal case where a woman’s reputation is at stake. The story unfolds in a courtroom, with witty dialogue and unexpected twists. Tragic Illness: "Jo" begins with a young woman’s sudden illness, told through the eyes of her friend. The narrative is poignant, focusing on her decline and final moments. Wealth and Love: "Athalia" explores a wealthy woman’s test of a suitor’s motives. The story unfolds through their interactions, revealing his true character. Escape from Stifling Family: "Ann" follows a young woman’s decision to leave her oppressive family. The plot builds tension as she plans her escape, culminating in her newfound freedom. Comedic Wedding: "Eleanor" is a lighthearted tale of a wedding orchestrated by friends. The story is filled with humorous situations and witty dialogue. Empowerment: "Susan" features a young woman standing up to a presumptuous man. The narrative is driven by her sharp wit and independence, ending with her triumph.

The People

Sarah: A young woman torn between societal expectations and her own desires. She is engaged to a man she doesn’t love but eventually finds the courage to follow her heart. Madeleine: A married woman who falls in love with a young artist. Her passion and tragedy highlight the consequences of forbidden love. Katharine and Giles: A married couple whose pride and misunderstandings lead to a temporary separation. Their letters reveal their deep love and eventual reconciliation. Willoughby: A groom who marries for financial reasons but discovers genuine love for his bride. His character arc is one of transformation and self-discovery. Elizabeth: A woman whose reputation is at stake in a legal case. Her strength and wit shine as she navigates the situation. Jo: A young woman suffering from a terminal illness. Her story is told through the eyes of her friend, highlighting her courage and grace. Athalia: A wealthy woman who tests a suitor’s motives. Her intelligence and independence make her a compelling character. Ann: A young woman who escapes her oppressive family. Her journey is one of self-discovery and independence. Eleanor and David: A couple whose wedding is orchestrated by their friends. Their story is filled with humor and lighthearted moments. Susan: A young woman who stands up to a presumptuous man. Her wit and independence make her a memorable character.

In Its Own Voice

“But,” she protested, “I wanted to marry George Fulke.” “I can’t help that,” said Pardoner gloomily, filling her glass with champagne. “I didn’t make the rotten Will.”

This exchange from "Sarah" highlights the tension between personal desires and societal obligations, a recurring theme in the book.

“Mon Dieu!” said René hoarsely. “Mon Dieu, it is not to be borne! I am a man, am I not? With blood in my veins? I am not a stock or a stone. I have a heart, Madeleine, a broken heart—that cries and cries and cries.”

This passionate declaration from "Madeleine" underscores the intensity of forbidden love and its consequences.

“Look here,” he said fiercely. “Do you think it was—er—decent of me to give you that hat, or not?” “Oh, you can have the beastly hat,” said Katharine.

This witty dialogue from "Katharine" showcases Yates’s ability to blend humor with emotional depth.

What It's Really About

At its core, And Five Were Foolish is about the complexities of love and the choices people make in its pursuit. The book explores themes of desire, betrayal, redemption, and self-discovery. Yates delves into the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, often highlighting the foolishness of choices made in the name of love. The stories also examine the power dynamics in relationships, particularly between men and women, and the ways in which individuals assert their independence. Through its characters, the book questions the nature of happiness and fulfillment, suggesting that true love often requires courage and self-awareness. Ultimately, it is a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of love’s challenges.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy witty, romantic tales with a touch of drama will find And Five Were Foolish a delightful read. Yates’s sharp dialogue and keen observations of human nature make the stories engaging and relatable, despite their early 20th-century setting. The book’s exploration of love, marriage, and personal growth remains relevant, offering insights into universal human experiences. While some period attitudes and language may feel dated, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the social norms of the time. The stories are concise and well-paced, making them ideal for readers seeking a quick yet satisfying escape. What stays with you is Yates’s ability to capture the complexities of relationships with humor and heart, leaving a lasting impression of the enduring power of love and the importance of self-awareness.