Author Introduction
Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, the 18th Baron Dunsany (1878–1957), commonly recognized as Lord Dunsany. He was an Anglo-Irish writer and dramatist. He is recognized as an early pioneer of the fantasy genre.
He wrote over 90 books, including his renowned works: The King of Elfland’s Daughter (1924) and The Gods of Pegāna. Born in London, he was heir to an ancient Irish title and brought up between Kent and Dunsany Castle in Ireland. Dunsany worked with W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, supported the Abbey Theatre, and was a champion in chess and shooting.
He moved to Kent and received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin. He died in Dublin in 1957. Dunsany’s family had deep historical connections, including ties to Saint Oliver Plunkett and notable figures such as Sir Horace Plunkett and Sir Richard Burton. He is from a lineage rich in both wealth and influence He got an education at Cheam, Eton, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
Table of Contents
Summary of the Reward
If a man was determined to get anything and stuck to it long enough. he got it.
Lord Dunsany’ The Reward was published in 1915. The story took place in a club where two friends, Jorken and Terbut, were also involved in a debate. Their topic of discussion was opportunity and determination. Terbuat was in favor of opportunity while Jorkens gave his remarks in favor of determination.
According to Jorkens, determination was another vital need for the achievement of certain goals of life. Jorkens convinced the people that a man could be a skating champion of the Sahara through his willpower and devotion. It was Gorgios in true sense, who brought success in his life through determination.
The adventurous Gorgios was a young, passionate, and promising athlete of the day. He remained adventurous throughout his entire life. From the age of sixteen, he devoted his time to tireless efforts to achieve his lifelong project of becoming a court acrobat. He burned the midnight oil and succeeded in it after sixty years of his life.
His parents believed his efforts would better be consumed in achieving something higher, valuable, and of practical purpose. They thought the role of court acrobat is a frivolous thing. Despite his parents’ opposition, Gorgios was determined to become a court acrobat and started training himself.
He found politics the only way to get the seat of court acrobat created. He then turned to politics as a platform to promote his vision to the public. Under the guidance of a seasoned advisor(Jorkens), Gorgios delivered speeches and presented logic to persuade people of the importance of a Court acrobat.
Jorkens motivated him to approach his mission with bravery, patience, and strength of will, believing that such qualities would one day lead Gorgios to success. In his speeches, he would inspire strength and discipline among the general public and soldiers too. He argued that they could stick to their prime target and struggle to achieve their goal.
He was of the same view that a court acrobat could make his country stable and strong. The physical fitness of the Court acrobat would enable the soldiers of his country to fight against the enemies. Jorkens told Terbut about Gorgios’s decision to join politics.
He thought that his untiring efforts would certainly bear fruit one day. At last, he succeeded in getting the post of court acrobat created but had no strength to show his feats to his people as he had lost his youth and energy. A grand inauguration ceremony was arranged in honor of Gorgios.
The glittering lights, the beautiful red and gold curtains, and the soft music presented a dignified scene. A special dress for Gorgios was prepared for the function of the inauguration. The dazzling dresses of the ladies were charming. In the light red uniform of the court acrobat, he appeared on the stage but could not perform the activity. He looked weary and tired on the day of the inauguration. His life’s ambition was finally achieved. Though he could no longer perform the feats he once dreamed of, Gorgios’s persistence and vision left a lasting legacy.
The story motivates us to be noble in life and must face the challenges life pushes. We should remove all hurdles manfully and bravely. Success can not be attained in a jiffy rather it demands patience and willpower on our part.
Theme of the Reward
The Reward is a story of perseverance, commitment to work, consistency, sacrifice, and the true nature of success. Gorgios’ lifelong struggles without wavering are matchless and brought success though later in his life. It was resolute nature that forced him to finally achieve the seat of court acrobat.
Through the story of Gorgios, the writer illustrates that true success comes out only through willpower, perseverance, and continuous effort. Life is an ordeal and a challenging journey and only those who are strong-willed can succeed. Lord Dunsany conveys that noble ambitions demand lifelong commitment and that greatness is reached through consistent and dedicated effort.
The story teaches us that we should have some noble aim in life and must learn to face the challenges of life with a smiling face. We should be brave in all the hurdles of life manfully. We should bear in mind that success cannot be achieved in a jiffy rather it demands, patience and willpower on our part.
Analysis of the story
When we study The Reward in-depth, we find its deep analysis with the below-mentioned points.
Perseverance and Dedication
The story revolves around the protagonist ( Gorgios)’ steadfastness and unwavering willpower. Gorgios got success through dedication, patience, and resilience. His sixty-year journey to becoming a Court acrobat, despite societal opposition and parents’ skepticism, is cladded in the long consistent struggle.
The Role of Determination in Defining Purpose
Gorgios’s determination directed him towards his objective of life even in the face of doubt and discouragement. From a young age, he thought that a clear goal driven by strong will power can lead to transformative objectives
But he went into them harder than anyone else, and never gave up his ambition.
Endurance as a Virtue
Gorgios’s life is a journey of endurance along with a lifetime commitment. Through his character, the story presents endurance as a virtue that strengthens one’s character. Gorgios faces challenges, aging, and the limitations of time itself. Yet he endures all, showing readers that success means to bear hardships over an extended period.
Symbols to Inspire
The Court acrobat is a symbol of physical strength, discipline, and unity. Gorgios believes that by embodying these ideals. Gorgios’ decision serves as a figure of inspiration for soldiers and citizens alike. His determination to establish this role reflects his belief in the power of symbols to inspire and unify people.
Gorgios’ Sacrifice
By the time Gorgios realizes his dream, he is too old to perform the feats he once imagined. Success is hidden and is exposed through sacrifice only. He sacrifices his youth, his physical vitality, and the opportunity for immediate recognition, only to achieve his goal when he can no longer fully enjoy it.
Characters of the story
Jorken: One of the men who were engaged in discussion at the club. He was in favor of determination and not of opportunity. He supported Gorgios in achieving the goal of life.
Terbut: The other one who was in favor of opportunity and argued extensively with Jorkens.
Gorgios: The protagonist of the story. He is a man of determination, dedication, sacrifice, and achievement.
The Use of Literary Devices
Irony
The situational irony can be seen when we see that Gorgios spends his entire life following his dream of court acrobat, but by the time he is near to his goal, he is too old to perform. This irony highlights the bittersweet nature of his success and suggests that the journey, rather than the outcome, can be more important.
Symbolism
The character of the court acrobat presents a symbol of strength, endurance, and dedication. Gorgios has a belief that this position will inspire his people. This seat embodies values that are important for a strong society.
Allusion
Dunsany suggests that social expectations and family pressures challenge personal dreams. This allusion leads to universal struggles and emphasizes that achieving a different goal often needs doing against the norms of society or familial expectations.
Characterization
Through the art of characterization, Dunsany presents Gorgios as unwaveringly determined and idealistic. In spite of doubts from his family and society, his singular main focus on his goal characterizes him as someone who is deeply committed to his personal values, even to the point of self-sacrifice.
Questions and Answers
What was the subject discussed at the club?
The topic of ‘opportunity and determination, was discussed at the club.
What did Terbut think of Jorkens’ argument?
Jorkens believed in determination. Terbut disagreed with Jorkens’ argument because he thought opportunity is more vital than determination.
How did Jorkens convince that a man could become a skating champion of the Sahara?
Jorkens convinced the people that a man could be a skating champion of the Sahara through his willpower, time, and devotion. First of all, a person should make money, build a skating rink in the Sahara, and then organize a competition there.
How did Gorgios persuade his people to make his country strong?
Gorgios persuaded people to create a post of court acrobat. He told his people that a court acrobat could make their country and soldiers strong and stout. This way, they would be able to fight against the enemies of their neighboring countries.
What was the viewpoint of the parents of Gorgios?
The parents of Gorgios disagreed him. They were of the view that opportunity was also needed along with determination to achieve success in life.
What were the arrangements made for the function of the inauguration?
Red and gold curtains were hung along the walls. A specific dress was prepared for Gorgios. There was a row of neat hurdles. The high swings were hung with gilded ropes. Lights glittered and music was played softly. In short, the great throne room was turned into a kind of gymnasium.
Describe the scene of the inauguration.
The inauguration scene was very appealing. Beautiful lights glittered and soft music played in the hall. The dazzling dresses of the ladies were charming. Gorgios was in a light red uniform of Court acrobat. Swings of acrobats were hanging down from the ceiling with gilded ropes.
What were the feelings of Gorgios on the occasion?
Gorgios looked gloomy and tired on the day of the inauguration. In fact, he was too old to give any performance, though he was able to get the post of court acrobat. He felt satisfied and proved the achievement of his life ambitions.
Did Gorgios use any shortcuts to achieve his ambition?
No, he used no shortcuts rather he did his utmost throughout his life to achieve his ambition.
For how many years did Gorgios take to achieve his ambition?
Gorgois had to struggle for more than sixty years to achieve his ultimate goal.
Discuss the political views of Jorkens.
Jorkens was of the view that man should use the channel of politics for his benefit. He is of the view that one should not be discouraged by the opposing forces rather one should stick to one’s aim to achieve success.
How did Gorgios achieve his ambition?
Gorgios was a promising athlete of his day. He thought of becoming a court acrobat. He worked hard round the clock with zeal and zest. He also went into politics. One day, he had so much power that he could speak in favor of his ambition everywhere. At last, he succeeded in achieving his ambition without taking any wrong course.
Do you agree with the viewpoint of the writer?
The writer is of the view that only determination is needed to achieve success in life. Yes, we also agree with the writer. It is through determination that we can also create different opportunities. So people fail in life in spite of availing opportunities. It is only due to the lack of determination in their life.
Why were the brilliant dresses put in the shade at the inauguration?
All the brilliant dresses were put in the shade. It was all done to show the glory of a man (Gogios) who had won his ambition after the hard work of sixty years.
What is the moral lesson of the story?
Only willpower and untiring effort can lead man to success. Man must strive to achieve his object till his death.
About the Author
