The Package (short story)
Encyclopedia
The Package is a short story by Kurt Vonnegut
, first published on 26 July 19 1952 in Collier's weekly
, and later in Bagombo Snuff Box
in 1999.
The story concerns hotel owner Earl Fenton and his wife, who worked their entire lives to get where they are. One day, an old friend, Charlie, arrives at the hotel to visit Fenton. The two went to college, where Charlie was one of the rich kids, while Fenton had to work hard, and was ridiculed by the other students. Now Fenton wants his revenge, seeing how Charlie isn't as well-off as Fenton. After Fenton spends considerable time bragging about his current state, Charlie thanks him for his hospitality and leaves. Later, Fenton discovers that Charlie used to be a doctor, and dedicated his life treating poor people in China, until he was kicked out of the country.
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was a 20th century American writer. His works such as Cat's Cradle , Slaughterhouse-Five and Breakfast of Champions blend satire, gallows humor and science fiction. He was known for his humanist beliefs and was honorary president of the American Humanist Association.-Early...
, first published on 26 July 19 1952 in Collier's weekly
Collier's Weekly
Collier's Weekly was an American magazine founded by Peter Fenelon Collier and published from 1888 to 1957. With the passage of decades, the title was shortened to Collier's....
, and later in Bagombo Snuff Box
Bagombo Snuff Box
Bagombo Snuff Box is an assortment of short stories written by Kurt Vonnegut published in 1999. The book contains previously published, but uncollected short fiction that did not appear in Vonnegut's previous collection, Welcome to the Monkey House...
in 1999.
The story concerns hotel owner Earl Fenton and his wife, who worked their entire lives to get where they are. One day, an old friend, Charlie, arrives at the hotel to visit Fenton. The two went to college, where Charlie was one of the rich kids, while Fenton had to work hard, and was ridiculed by the other students. Now Fenton wants his revenge, seeing how Charlie isn't as well-off as Fenton. After Fenton spends considerable time bragging about his current state, Charlie thanks him for his hospitality and leaves. Later, Fenton discovers that Charlie used to be a doctor, and dedicated his life treating poor people in China, until he was kicked out of the country.