Summary of "The New Yorker: Fiction" Podcast Episode: Paul Theroux Reads V. S. Pritchett

Podcast Information:

• Title: The New Yorker: Fiction
• Host/Author: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
• Description: A monthly reading and conversation with the New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman.
• Episode: Paul Theroux Reads V. S. Pritchett
• Release Date: March 1, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

Deborah Treisman opens the episode by introducing the format of the podcast, highlighting that each month a writer selects a story from the New Yorker archives to read and discuss. This month's featured story is "The Necklace" by V. S. Pritchett, which originally appeared in the New Yorker in February 1958.

Paul Theroux is introduced as the guest reader. He is a renowned author with an extensive bibliography, including nearly 40 books of fiction such as Burma Sahib and The Vanishing Point. Theroux explains his personal connection to Pritchett, mentioning their friendship since London in 1973 when Pritchett was 73 years old. He expresses his deep admiration for Pritchett's mastery in short story writing, noting similarities between "The Necklace" and other iterations of the necklace theme by Maupassant, Somerset Maugham, and Henry James. He shares his own experience of writing a similar story titled "Another Necklace" in his collection Mr. Bones.

Paul Theroux (03:01): "It's about the material world. It says a pearl necklace or a necklace represents wealth, materialism, something that people want. There's always a sense of delusion in it."

2. Reading of "The Necklace" by V. S. Pritchett

Paul Theroux delivers a poignant reading of "The Necklace," capturing the nuanced emotions and intricate narrative crafted by Pritchett. The story revolves around Jim Drayton, a window cleaner, who finds a pearl necklace that becomes the catalyst for unraveling his seemingly stable life.

Notable Quotes from the Reading:

• Jim Drayton (06:03): "I was afraid of having a smile too big for my face. My mouth was watering all the time."
• Nell, Jim’s Wife (54:10): "I couldn't bear it. My father's dead, my mother's dead. I couldn't bear any more."
• Jim Drayton (60:03): "She's so bloody clever, said Nell."

The narrative effectively portrays Jim's internal conflict and the impending doom that the necklace signifies in his marriage. The subtle hints of deception and the gradual revelation of Nell's true nature keep the listener engaged, leading up to the story's climax where Nell's duplicity is fully exposed.

3. Post-Reading Discussion and Analysis

After the reading, Deborah Treisman facilitates an in-depth discussion with Paul Theroux about the story's themes, character development, and Pritchett's literary techniques.

a. Thematic Exploration: Class and Materialism

Theroux emphasizes that "The Necklace" is a meditation on materialism and class distinctions. He interprets the necklace as a symbol of wealth and the illusion it creates.

Paul Theroux (03:36): "It's about the material world. It says a pearl necklace or a necklace represents wealth, materialism, something that people want."

Treisman questions Pritchett's place in modern literature, noting that despite Pritchett’s critical acclaim, his works are less read compared to contemporaries.

Deborah Treisman (04:24): "But if three people have read his stories, they know that he's the master of the story."

Theroux responds by attributing Pritchett’s diminished prominence to changing literary interests, but asserts that his mastery in short story writing remains unparalleled.

b. Character Analysis: Jim and Nell

The discussion delves into the complexities of the characters, particularly Jim Drayton and his wife, Nell.

Theroux describes Jim as an honest, hardworking man who is inherently good but becomes a victim of Nell's manipulations.

Paul Theroux (60:46): "He is an honest man who doesn't look deeply into things and who is somewhat infatuated, deluded."

Treisman probes into Nell's inconsistent behavior and her resistance to lies, questioning whether her actions are a defense mechanism or indicative of deeper psychological issues.

Deborah Treisman (46:54): "At very early in the story, we're told that she doesn't like men who tell lies. She tells Plushie to stop telling them. She tells Jim to stop telling them."

Theroux interprets Nell’s dual behavior as a manifestation of internal conflict, suggesting she is both frightened by lies and aware of her own deceitful tendencies.

Paul Theroux (47:14): "I think what he's implying is that she's frightened by lies and that she knows that she's a liar."

c. Literary Techniques: Narrative Structure and Symbolism

Treisman and Theroux analyze Pritchett's use of narrative structure—starting at the police station and then providing a backstory—which serves to create suspense and gradually reveal the layers of deception.

Paul Theroux (49:21): "The narrative story doesn't have that detail sewn shut. It resonates in your mind."

Theroux highlights the symbolism of the necklace itself, representing more than just material wealth but also the fragility of honesty and the complexity of human relationships.

Paul Theroux (03:04): "There's always an angle to it. And I don't know of another object in life, like a bicycle or a car, that's the subject of the short story."

d. Humor and Irony in Pritchett’s Writing

Eudora Welty lauds Pritchett for being "one of the great pleasure givers in our language," attributing this to his skillful blend of humor and poetic elements.

Theroux concurs, noting the ironical and comic undertones that Pritchett weaves into the narrative, which add depth and contrast to the story’s darker themes.

Paul Theroux (56:19): "He really knew what he was doing and he never faked it. He told me once that he avoided endings of stories that were too pat... he liked the slow reveal and then he liked to leave you in a mood where you sort of finish the story yourself."

e. The Resolution and Reader’s Interpretation

The discussion touches upon the open-ended nature of the story’s conclusion, allowing readers to ponder Jim’s fate and the impact of Nell's actions.

Deborah Treisman (63:04): "So what is your ending for Jim? What do you imagine?"

Theroux suggests that Jim remains a fundamentally good and honest man, whose life is irrevocably changed by the events surrounding the necklace. He emphasizes that the story leaves room for personal interpretation, resonating like poetry.

Paul Theroux (63:04): "The great story is the Chekhov story or the Pritchard story or the Henry James story. The story that doesn't have a solid ending that resonates is one that's more like poetry."

4. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Deborah Treisman providing a brief biography of V. S. Pritchett, highlighting his contributions to literature as a fiction writer, critic, essayist, and biographer. Theroux's extensive body of work and his lasting influence on contemporary literature are also acknowledged.

Treisman encourages listeners to explore more episodes of the New Yorker Fiction Podcast and to engage with the content through various platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• V. S. Pritchett's "The Necklace" serves as a rich exploration of themes like materialism, class distinction, and the complexities of human relationships.
• Paul Theroux's reading and subsequent analysis provide deep insights into Pritchett's narrative techniques, character development, and symbolic use of objects.
• The podcast episode underscores the timeless relevance of Pritchett's work and his mastery in crafting stories that are both engaging and thought-provoking.

Notable Quotes with Attributions:

• Paul Theroux (03:01): "It's about the material world. It says a pearl necklace or a necklace represents wealth, materialism, something that people want."
• Jim Drayton (06:03): "I was afraid of having a smile too big for my face. My mouth was watering all the time."
• Paul Theroux (60:46): "He is an honest man who doesn't look deeply into things and who is somewhat infatuated, deluded."
• Paul Theroux (63:04): "The great story is the Chekhov story or the Pritchard story or the Henry James story. The story that doesn't have a solid ending that resonates is one that's more like poetry."

This episode not only showcases Pritchett's storytelling prowess but also highlights the enduring nature of his themes, making it a valuable listen for aficionados of classic and nuanced fiction.