Too Cute for Words by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald 

Published: The Saturday Evening Post (April 1936)

Genre: Short Story

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“Too Cute for Words” is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in The Saturday Evening Post in April 1936.

1. Too Cute for Words Synopsis

“Too Cute for Words” revolves around the interactions and relationships among several characters, primarily focusing on Gwen, a young girl, and her father, Bryan. It delves into themes of parental concern, growing up, and the dynamics between youth and adulthood.

Bryan, a widower, worries about Gwen’s youthful adventures, especially her attendance at a college prom at such a young age. The story showcases his protective instincts and concern for her upbringing. Gwen, on the other hand, seeks to explore the world beyond her age and social status, leading to her escapade with her friends to sneak into the prom.

As the narrative unfolds, it highlights the generation gap and different perspectives on youth’s social activities. The story also explores the budding romantic interest between Gwen and Tommy Ray and the consequences of Gwen’s actions, making her father realize the importance of understanding and guiding her as she navigates the transition from childhood to adolescence.

2. Too Cute for Words Summary

Chapter 1

Bryan is a widower who is concerned about his daughter, Gwen. He meets with Mrs. Hannaman, who compliments Gwen’s old-fashioned manners. They discuss Gwen’s upbringing, her education, and some of her activities. After Mrs. Hannaman leaves, Bryan is left alone to work on their apartment and reflects on Gwen’s messy room. When Gwen returns home from school, they have a conversation about her day and plans to attend a game at Princeton. Bryan initially hesitates but eventually agrees to let Gwen go. The story highlights the relationship between Bryan and his daughter and their interactions regarding Gwen’s social activities and upbringing.

Chapter 2

Three girls, Gwen, Clara, and Dizzy, dressed up for a prom but were disappointed when it got canceled due to the host’s family emergency. They decided to sneak around the college campus at night, trying to get close to the prom and witness the fun from the outside. They walked through the campus, trying to avoid being seen by anyone they knew. As they got closer to the gymnasium where the prom was held, they overheard a romantic conversation between a couple in a parked car nearby. Gwen, Clara, and Dizzy listened in silence, their emotions stirred by the intimate exchange. However, their presence was accidentally revealed when Dizzy sneezed loudly.

Chapter 3

Harry, worried about the girls revealing his engagement to Marion, tries to bribe them with the offer of sneaking into the prom. The girls agree enthusiastically and promise to keep the secret in exchange for the chance to attend the event.

Chapter 4

Tommy, initially hesitant, ends up escorting Gwen onto the dance floor to deliver a telegram to his sister Esther. Gwen takes the initiative and asks Tommy to dance across the floor with her to avoid drawing attention. Amid the excitement of the dance, Gwen feels at home and dances with enthusiasm.

In the Laurel Club box, the chaperones grow tired of the event. They notice Gwen and Tommy, whom they find an odd couple. One chaperone questions Gwen’s parents’ decision to let her attend the prom at such a young age. The middle-aged man with them recognizes Gwen as his daughter and worries about her presence at the event.

Chapter 5

Bryan, Gwen’s father, is upset to see his young daughter dancing at a semi-public event and plans to handle the situation formally. The next day, he intends to meet Gwen at a football game in Princeton, but she loses her ticket. In frustration, he decides to attend the game without her, but his concern for Gwen and the noise of the crowd make him rethink his decision. Just as he enters the stadium, Gwen and Tommy Ray, a ticket taker, spot him and join him for the game. Bryan learns that Gwen had assistance from Tommy to get into the stadium and teases her about their dancing position the previous night, which makes her uncomfortable.

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