Summary of "The Day I Became A Matador" by A.E. Hotchner

Introduction

In the episode titled "A.E. Hotchner: The Day I Became A Matador," hosted by The Moth, A.E. Hotchner shares a captivating and humorous true story from his life. Released on August 21, 2012, this episode delves into an unexpected adventure that intertwines friendship, bullfighting, and a series of unforeseen events in 1959 Spain.

Setting the Scene: Summer of 1959 in Spain

Hotchner sets the backdrop in Spain during the summer of 1959, highlighting a significant bullfighting event—a mano a mano (a one-on-one bullfight) between the renowned matadors Jean Louis Dominguin and Antonio Ordóñez. He remarks:

"There hadn't been such a bullfight a mano a mano in 30 years, and there hasn't been one since then. So it was a great event."
(02:15)

Invitation from Ernest Hemingway

Hotchner's longtime friend, the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, invites him to cover the event for Life magazine. The two share a history of adventures, including fishing for marlin and hunting in Idaho. Hotchner recounts:

"Ernest said, that's fine, Hotchkiss. You should be ready to get in the ring, be a matador, and I'll be your manager."
(04:30)

Initially dismissing the idea as "red wine talking," Hotchner didn't anticipate it becoming a reality.

Preparing to Become a Matador

Upon arriving in Valencia, Hotchner witnesses the initial mano a mano, followed by another in Malaga. During a celebratory evening with wine and tapas, Antonio Ordóñez encourages him to take the plunge into bullfighting. The pivotal moment occurs when Antonio presents Hotchner with a bullfighter's suit:

"He said, I think it goes with your complexion. I said, my complexion right now is white and getting whiter."
(07:50)

Hotchner humorously describes the cumbersome nature of the matador's attire:

"There was no way really to move in any direction. I was mummified."
(09:10)

The Bullfight Experience

Despite his reservations, Hotchner finds himself dressed and eventually joins the bullfight as the sobra saliente (substitute matador). As the event unfolds, he observes the intensity and tradition of bullfighting. He shares a critical moment:

"I didn't know I could move as fast as I did to get back to that van as it was pulling out."
(16:45)

During the paseo (walk across the sand), Hotchner struggles with the tight uniform while collecting ladies' shoes thrown into the ring—a task far from fulfilling for a matador:

"Picking up ladies shoes is not easy. And it's not very fulfilling, not for a matador."
(14:20)

Aftermath and Unexpected Encounters

Post-fight celebrations include a triumphant tour of the ring, where Hotchner is showered with memorabilia. However, the experience leaves him alone with the remnants of his unintended performance. An amusing twist occurs when a signorina returns a misplaced shoe:

"There is the most gorgeous signorina you've ever seen. She's in stocking feet. She's holding one shoe. She says, I come for my shoe."
(17:30)

Reflection and Conclusion

The next day, a Life magazine photographer presents Hotchner with a photograph capturing the moment. Hemingway's humorous critique about matador attire adds a reflective tone:

"He said, while they're dressing, they'll be using two handkerchiefs. But Tekas, you only need one. Only."
(18:10)

Hotchner concludes by highlighting the camaraderie and the lighthearted nature of the experience, underscoring how an impromptu decision led to an unforgettable adventure.

Notable Quotes

• Hotchner on the uniqueness of the bullfight event:
  "There hadn't been such a bullfight a mano a mano in 30 years, and there hasn't been one since then. So it was a great event."
  (02:15)

• Invitation from Hemingway:
  "Ernest said, that's fine, Hotchkiss. You should be ready to get in the ring, be a matador, and I'll be your manager."
  (04:30)

• On being dressed as a matador:
  "There was no way really to move in any direction. I was mummified."
  (09:10)

• Struggle during the paseo:
  "Picking up ladies shoes is not easy. And it's not very fulfilling, not for a matador."
  (14:20)

• Hemingway's advice on handkerchiefs:
  "He said, while they're dressing, they'll be using two handkerchiefs. But Tekas, you only need one. Only."
  (18:10)

Conclusion

A.E. Hotchner's story is a delightful blend of spontaneity, friendship, and cultural immersion. His ability to navigate an unexpected role in the bullfighting arena, coupled with the humor and support from Ernest Hemingway, offers listeners an engaging narrative filled with laughter and reflection.