Presumption by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald
Published: The Saturday Evening Post (January 9, 1926)
Genre: Short Story
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“Presumption” is a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in The Saturday Evening Post on January 9, 1926.
1. Presumption Synopsis
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story “Presumption,” the author skillfully explores the theme of assumptions and misjudgments in matters of the heart. The tale follows Juan’s determined pursuit of Noel, despite societal barriers and a mistaken note from her. Fitzgerald unveils the dangers of presuming to know others’ feelings and intentions without clear communication. Through the characters’ interactions, he highlights the complexities of human emotions and the folly of drawing conclusions without complete understanding. “Presumption” serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers that genuine connections require open dialogue and the rejection of baseless assumptions.
2. Story Summary
Chapter 1
Juan Chandler is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Noel, whom he is infatuated with. He worries about a pimple on his face, attempting to hide it with black ointment, yet it doesn’t work. He dreads dinner with his snobbish relative, Cousin Cora, and her guests, the Holyokes. The conversation bores him, but he longs for Noel’s arrival. When she comes, they spend time together at a tennis tournament.
Juan is awkward around her and even more uncomfortable when another young man joins them. Noel arranges for Juan to be picked up for dinner, disappointing his hopes for a private evening. When she drops him off, their intense emotions briefly converge, but she leaves abruptly, and he’s left feeling both happy and lost.
Chapter 2
Cousin Cora’s chauffeur takes Juan to Noel’s house, where he meets Billy Harper, another male guest. During dinner, Juan feels left out of the conversation as Noel and Holly discuss various topics. He contemplates inviting Noel to a college dance but decides to do it in a letter later. After dinner, they talk by the fire, and Juan boasts about his fraternity’s prom to Holly.
Time passes, and they move to the garden. Juan tries to be alone with Noel, but the others are close by. He offers Noel his fraternity pin, which she accepts with reservations. They sit together on a settee on the veranda. Juan tries to kiss her, and she resists, making him promise to leave after one kiss. He kisses her briefly, but she still asks him to go. She gazes at the moon, lost in thought. They say goodnight, and she closes the door.
Chapter 3
The next morning, Juan wakes up wondering if Noel didn’t kiss him due to the spots on his cheek. He applies ointment again and later Cousin Cora scolds him for disturbing his great-uncle. They go swimming at Holly Morgan’s house, where Juan feels out of place and tries to engage with Holly to make Noel jealous. He loses sight of Noel, who is talking with a tall man. Feeling rejected, Juan walks away, fearing that he has lost Noel’s interest. When he sees Noel with the man, he decides to leave the party. He walks home, hiding from passing cars, until he’s within sight of his cousin’s house, where he watches Noel’s roadster drive by with the man inside.
Chapter 4
At lunch, Cousin Cora questions Juan about his behavior at the beach and warns him against having any serious ideas about Noel. She implies that he’s not in a position to think of her that way. Juan decides to leave Cousin Cora’s house and head home. He spends the afternoon at the golf club, pairing up with a man named Harold Garneau. They discuss their situations, and Juan shares his concerns about being in love with a girl who comes from a wealthier background.
Garneau advises him to consider his options carefully and talk to his family about it. Garneau gives Juan his card and offers assistance if Juan decides to go to Boston. Juan accepts the card but later walks away from the club, feeling nervous and avoiding looking back.
Chapter 5
A month later, San Juan Chandler moves to Boston with a plan to win back Noel Garneau’s love. He secures a room in a hotel, carrying with him cash and liberty bonds. He’s determined to marry Noel and erase the memory of the painful incident that happened earlier. He starts a successful business venture, making substantial profits.
Over the next year, Juan closely follows Noel’s life through the society columns and waits for the right moment to approach her. When the time finally comes, he visits her house, they chat, and he feels hopeful about a potential relationship. However, just as he’s about to confess his feelings, another man named Mr. Templeton arrives, revealing that Noel is engaged to him. Juan leaves, devastated.
Chapter 6
Juan confronts Noel at her house, passionately confessing his love for her and urging her not to marry Mr. Templeton. Noel is emotionally torn and cries, but she insists that her decision is final. She reveals that she is engaged to Templeton and has made her choice. As the conversation unfolds, Templeton unexpectedly enters the room and is puzzled by the situation. Juan and Templeton exchange heated words, with Templeton asserting that Juan’s presence is an intrusion. Noel is ultimately led away by Templeton, who dismissively instructs Juan to collect his coat and leave.
Chapter 7
Juan visits the Morton Poindexter’s house in search of Noel, where he encounters Mrs. Poindexter. Their conversation becomes tense, and Juan insists on seeing Noel. Mrs. Poindexter presents him with a note from Noel, declaring her lack of interest in him and requesting that he leave her alone. Feeling defeated and disillusioned, Juan is about to leave when Mrs. Poindexter suddenly realizes a mistake, confusing him with Mr. Templeton, and rushes to call Noel. The realization comes as a shock to both of them, revealing that Noel’s negative sentiment was meant for Templeton, not Juan. Mrs. Poindexter calls out to Noel to come down and meet Juan, who is left in suspense as he waits for Noel’s response.
