The Wagner Matinee : Review



Title: The Wagner Matinee
Author: Willa Cather
Genre: Short story

The Wagner Matinee is a short story belonging to the author’s collection of short stories titled ‘The Troll Garden’. 

It’s the story of a young Bostonian named Clark, his Aunt Georgina and her reunion with music. 

Clark receives a letter saying that his Aunt Georgina is visiting Boston from Nebraska. She had been a music teacher at the Boston Conservatory during her younger days. Until she eloped with Howard Carpenter who was ten years her junior. She settles for a tough life up the mountains. During her visit, Clark takes her to a symphony concert and the music moves her to tears. 

The author in her vivid style showcases a myriad of emotions. Honesty, wistfulness, shame, being judgemental and regret.  The irony of the choice made by Aunt Georgina tends to strike a chord with the readers. The story explores the complexity of choices one has to make in life and the regret accompanied later. It’s bound to resonate with many people. 

People especially with a musical background would identify with this story.
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