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Questions and Answers
What does Trysdale believe is the most significant aspect of time, as indicated in the story?
What does Trysdale believe is the most significant aspect of time, as indicated in the story?
That time is relative.
What realization does Trysdale come to about himself as he reflects on his relationship?
What realization does Trysdale come to about himself as he reflects on his relationship?
He recognizes his own vanity, egoism, and self-conceit.
Describe the significance of the 'look' the woman gave to the man she was marrying, and how it affected Trysdale.
Describe the significance of the 'look' the woman gave to the man she was marrying, and how it affected Trysdale.
The look signified love and connection, confirming to Trysdale that he had been completely forgotten and his conceit was unfounded.
How did the woman initially treat Trysdale, and what 'role' did she assign him in their relationship?
How did the woman initially treat Trysdale, and what 'role' did she assign him in their relationship?
What specific incident involving Captain Carruthers triggers Trysdale's downfall?
What specific incident involving Captain Carruthers triggers Trysdale's downfall?
Explain the symbolism of the cactus plant, from the woman, as the response Trysdale received.
Explain the symbolism of the cactus plant, from the woman, as the response Trysdale received.
How does Trysdale react when he meets the woman again at a dinner after receiving the cactus?
How does Trysdale react when he meets the woman again at a dinner after receiving the cactus?
What is the significance of the brother of the bride's role as an accessory?
What is the significance of the brother of the bride's role as an accessory?
What does the brother of the bride suggest Trysdale do to ease his conscience?
What does the brother of the bride suggest Trysdale do to ease his conscience?
How does the friend from South America identify the cactus, and what does he reveal about its name?
How does the friend from South America identify the cactus, and what does he reveal about its name?
What is the importance of the line: 'The garments of his soul must have appeared sorry and threadbare'?
What is the importance of the line: 'The garments of his soul must have appeared sorry and threadbare'?
Explain the meaning of the phrase, 'Vanity and conceit? These were the joints in his armor'?
Explain the meaning of the phrase, 'Vanity and conceit? These were the joints in his armor'?
How does the author use the setting of Trysdale's bachelor apartments to reflect his emotional state?
How does the author use the setting of Trysdale's bachelor apartments to reflect his emotional state?
Why does Trysdale initially feel a 'sullen exultation' as the woman walks down the aisle?
Why does Trysdale initially feel a 'sullen exultation' as the woman walks down the aisle?
Discuss the symbolism of Trysdale's gloves and the act of unbuttoning them.
Discuss the symbolism of Trysdale's gloves and the act of unbuttoning them.
What does Trysdale mean when he says the woman 'invested him with an almost supernatural number of high attributes and excellencies and talents'?
What does Trysdale mean when he says the woman 'invested him with an almost supernatural number of high attributes and excellencies and talents'?
How does Trysdale's interpretation of the woman's 'coy' behavior contribute to his misunderstanding?
How does Trysdale's interpretation of the woman's 'coy' behavior contribute to his misunderstanding?
Explain the irony in Trysdale being unable to understand the meaning of the cactus's name.
Explain the irony in Trysdale being unable to understand the meaning of the cactus's name.
What is significant about the fact that the cactus is in a 'red earthen jar'?
What is significant about the fact that the cactus is in a 'red earthen jar'?
Discuss the theme of missed opportunities in 'The Cactus'.
Discuss the theme of missed opportunities in 'The Cactus'.
Flashcards
Relative Time
Relative Time
The feeling that time's passage varies depending on circumstances.
Brother of the Bride
Brother of the Bride
Trysdale's friend, related to the bride, who offers a complaining perspective at the wedding.
Scarifying Retrospect
Scarifying Retrospect
A swift review of past events, often with painful awareness.
Unmitigated Self
Unmitigated Self
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Egoism
Egoism
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Royal Grandeur
Royal Grandeur
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Spurious Scholarship
Spurious Scholarship
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The Cactus (Ventomarme)
The Cactus (Ventomarme)
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Adamant
Adamant
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South American Friend
South American Friend
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Ventomarme
Ventomarme
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Study Notes
- The story explores how vanity and self-conceit can lead to misunderstanding and loss in relationships.
- The protagonist, Trysdale, reflects on a past relationship that ended abruptly, leading him to confront his flaws.
- Time is relative, memories can be reviewed fast.
Trysdale's Reflection
- Trysdale is at his apartment after "she" was married to someone else.
- Still puzzled as to why he had lost her.
- He recognizes his pretenses and egoism and sees them as folly.
- He acknowledges his vanity and conceit.
- He remembers her look of love towards the newly wed and he knows he is forgotten.
- He recalls placing her on a pedestal, accepting her admiration without reciprocating.
The Turning Point
- Trysdale recalls the night he asked her to share his pedestal.
- She complimented him on his Spanish, which he didn't deserve.
- Carruthers exaggerated Trysdale's Spanish knowledge.
- He didn't deny the false praise, letting her believe he was a Spanish scholar.
- She asked for time to answer, and instead sent a cactus with a tag.
- He waited for a note or message but received none, his pride kept him from contacting her.
- They met again, their interactions cold which widened the separation between them.
- Trysdale now searches for who to blame in the ruins of his self-conceit.
The Cactus
- Trysdale's friend comments on his unhappiness, despite not being the one married.
- The friend then identifies the cactus as a tropical plant from Punta Redonda.
- The tag on the plant has the name "Ventomarme".
- Ventomarme means "Come and take me" in English.
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