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Cover of Duffels

Duffels

Written by Edward Eggleston

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Short stories, American

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About this book

"Duffels" by Edward Eggleston is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a selection of Eggleston's shorter tales, showcasing various phases of human nature and life across the 18th and 19th centuries in America, highlighting experiences from diverse locations throughout the nation. With a range of characters and situations, the stories provide a tapestry of American life during this time, capturing the challenges and triumphs of its people. The opening of "Duffels" introduces the story "Sister Tabea," set in the Ephrata cloister of Pennsylvania, which was established by mystical pietists in the 18th century. The narrative unfolds in the communal life of the cloister, focusing on Sister Tabea, a rebellious and passionate young woman. As tensions rise among the sisters due to strict control from Brother Friedsam, the director, Tabea finds herself caught between her duties and her desire for independence. Through her interactions with her fellow sisters and her defiance of Brother Friedsam, the complexities of personal aspirations, love, and commitments are explored, laying the groundwork for deep emotional conflicts that resonate throughout the story.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Duffels, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • historical
  • introspective
  • rebellious

Edward Eggleston's "Duffels" is a compelling collection of late 19th-century American short stories that vividly portrays diverse facets of human nature and life across the 18th and 19th centuries. Through a tapestry of characters and settings, the book explores the challenges and triumphs of individuals in various American locales, contributing significantly to the regionalist and realist movements of its time. The collection's opening story, "Sister Tabea," exemplifies these themes, delving into the strict communal life of an 18th-century Pennsylvania cloister and the deep emotional conflicts of a rebellious young woman yearning for independence amidst rigid religious control. Eggleston masterfully uses these narratives to capture the spirit and struggles inherent in the evolving American experience.

“"The cloister walls may bind the body, but they cannot imprison a spirit that yearns for the wider heavens."”

Key themes

Individual Freedom vs. Communal Obligation
This theme is central to 'Sister Tabea,' exploring the profound tension between a person's innate desire for independence, self-expression, and personal choice, and the demands of a tightly knit, religiously strict community that requires conformity and self-abnegation. It questions where the line between spiritual discipline and personal oppression lies.
Religious Zealotry and Control
Eggleston delves into the darker aspects of religious fervor, particularly how it can manifest as oppressive control when wielded by dogmatic figures. The theme examines the potential for faith to be used as a tool for subjugation rather than spiritual liberation, and the psychological impact of such an environment.
The Pursuit of Independence and Self-Discovery
This theme focuses on the protagonist's journey to understand her own desires, identity, and place in the world, often in defiance of external pressures. It's about the courage to challenge established norms and embark on a path of personal growth, even if it leads to conflict and uncertainty.

Worth discussing

How does Eggleston use the specific historical setting of the Ephrata cloister to explore universal themes of freedom and restriction?

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