Imagined Scenes

by Ann Beattie

Start Free Trial

Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

"Imagined Scenes" opens with a vivid recounting of a dream shared by a wife to her husband, David. In her dream, she basks in the warmth of a Greek beach, a memory intertwined with their shared routines like returning home from the store. This introduction sets the tone for a narrative that explores the evolving dynamics of their relationship, especially as David prepares to return to academia to finish his Ph.D. instead of working in the fall.

The Unexpected Winter Growth

The narrative shifts as the wife observes a curious phenomenon—a plant bursting into life during winter. David tends to this plant, an activity that contrasts with his scholarly pursuits. As evening approaches, she leaves David engrossed in his reading while she departs for work, hinting at their differing rhythms and responsibilities.

Night Work and Reminiscences

The wife’s job involves caring for an elderly man whose daughter is away in Florida, leaving him under the care of his sister by day. At night, the wife, a nurse, takes over. The old man shares tales of a winter spent in Berlin, enriching the night with memories as he displays his postcards and photos, opening a window to his past.

Home Intrusions

Arriving home, the wife finds signs of disorder—books scattered and hints of visitors during her absence. David enters with their dog, oblivious to the chaos, and urges her to rest, mentioning his encounter with neighbors downhill. This interaction subtly underscores the changes in their domestic life.

Missing Watch and Persistent Snow

Back at the elderly man’s residence, the wife discovers her watch is missing. She attempts to reach David by phone, but silence greets her call, echoing the snow that continues to blanket the outside world.

A Gifted Plant and Snowbound Travels

Upon her return, she notes both David's absence and the missing plant. When David reappears, he explains he has gifted the plant to the couple they met, a gesture that speaks of his interactions beyond their home. Her attempts to connect with him at 4:00 A.M. meet with no response, leaving her in the quiet company of snowflakes.

In a morning filled with fresh snow, the old man expresses a desire for a walk. The wife carefully dresses him, and they venture into the white landscape. Amidst children’s playful skirmishes, the old man is accidentally knocked over. David appears, assisting the old man, justifying his earlier phone silence with sleep, and showing care amidst the winter scene.

Imagined Companionship and Final Calls

On the drive home, the wife envisions David, paired with their dog, as a comforting image. At home, she retreats upstairs to rest, lulled by the sounds of David tidying the kitchen. The phone rings, breaking the domestic calm; it is the old man’s sister. Trapped by Florida’s snowstorm, she requests the wife’s continued care of the old man. The story concludes with the sister’s poignant words: "You’re so lucky. . . . You can come and go. You don’t know what it’s like to be caught.”

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Themes

Loading...