Introduction

"They Have Seven Tennis Rackets" is a short story written by American author, Janet Flanner. The story is about a couple, the Harts, who are on vacation in France. The story explores themes of materialism, consumerism, and the impact of possessions on people's lives. In this essay, we will analyze the story's plot, characters, and themes.

Plot Summary

The story begins with the Harts arriving in France for their vacation. They are a wealthy couple who have everything they need. The narrator describes Mr. Hart as a man who has a passion for tennis and owns seven tennis rackets. The couple is staying in a luxurious hotel, and they have a suite with a balcony overlooking the sea.

One day, the Harts decide to go to a local tennis club to play tennis. When they arrive, they see a group of French people playing tennis. Mr. Hart asks one of the players if he can join in, but the Frenchman tells him that he cannot play because he is not wearing the appropriate tennis shoes.

Mr. Hart is disappointed and frustrated because he cannot play tennis. He tells his wife that he wants to go back to the hotel and get his tennis shoes. Mrs. Hart is annoyed because she wants to stay and watch the French people play tennis. She tells her husband that he should not worry about playing tennis and that they should enjoy their vacation.

The next day, the Harts go to a different tennis club. This time, Mr. Hart is wearing the appropriate tennis shoes, and he is able to play tennis. However, he is not happy because he is not playing well. He becomes angry and throws his tennis racket on the ground, breaking it.

Mrs. Hart is embarrassed by her husband's behavior. She tells him that he needs to control his temper and that he should not let his possessions control him. She reminds him that he has seven tennis rackets and that he can easily replace the broken one.

The story ends with the Harts leaving the tennis club. Mr. Hart is still upset about his poor performance and the broken tennis racket. Mrs. Hart tells him that they should go back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of their vacation.

Characters

The main characters in the story are Mr. and Mrs. Hart. Mr. Hart is a wealthy man who has a passion for tennis. He owns seven tennis rackets and is very competitive. He becomes frustrated when he is not able to play tennis and when he does not play well. Mrs. Hart is a more laid-back character. She is content to watch the French people play tennis and does not feel the need to compete. She is embarrassed by her husband's behavior and tries to calm him down.

Themes

The story explores several themes, including materialism, consumerism, and the impact of possessions on people's lives天博体育官网入口. Mr. Hart's obsession with tennis and his possessions shows how materialism can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration. He is so focused on his tennis rackets that he forgets to enjoy the game. His possessions control him, and he becomes angry when they do not perform as he expects them to.

The story also shows how consumerism can lead to a sense of entitlement. Mr. Hart expects to be able to play tennis whenever he wants, regardless of the rules or customs of the local tennis clubs. He feels entitled to play because he has the money to buy the right equipment.

Finally, the story explores the impact of possessions on people's lives. Mr. Hart's obsession with his tennis rackets causes him to lose sight of what is important. He becomes so focused on his possessions that he forgets to enjoy his vacation and spend time with his wife.

Conclusion

"They Have Seven Tennis Rackets" is a thought-provoking story that explores themes of materialism, consumerism, and the impact of possessions on people's lives. The story's characters, plot, and themes provide insight into the human condition and the dangers of becoming too attached to material possessions. Overall, this story serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of consumerism and the importance of living in the present moment.