E.V.
Lucas (Edward Verrall Lucas, 1868–1938) was a distinguished English writer, essayist,
and editor, best known for his humor, wit, and graceful prose. His literary career spanned
various genres, including essays, biographies, travel writing, and novels. Here are key
details about his life and work:
Early Life and Career
Lucas was born in Eltham, Kent, England, and educated at Friends’ School in Saffron
Walden.
Initially, he worked as a journalist and later became an editor at the influential magazine
Punch, where his witty and insightful writing gained recognition.
Writing Career
Lucas was a prolific author, publishing over 100 books in his lifetime.
His work often featured a blend of humor, charm, and deep observation of everyday life.
His essays, such as those collected in The Open Road (1904), reflect his love for nature,
literature, and travel, often infused with philosophical musings.
Biographies
Lucas is known for his biographies, particularly on Charles Lamb, a writer he greatly
admired. His biography Life of Charles Lamb is considered a classic.
Editorial Work
He edited several editions of Charles Lamb's works, cementing his role as an important
figure in preserving and promoting Lamb's legacy.
Legacy
E.V. Lucas is remembered for his effortless prose and keen ability to find beauty and humor
in everyday life.
While his popularity has waned over the years, his works remain a testament to his literary
brilliance and enduring charm.
Notable Works
The Open Road (1904) – A collection of essays and reflections on traveling and the joy of
nature.
Over Bemerton's (1908) – A novel showcasing his storytelling skills.
Life of Charles Lamb – A comprehensive and heartfelt biography.
Essays in Punch magazine – Highlighting his humor and observational skill.
E.V. Lucas's contributions to literature are characterized by his graceful style and ability to
inspire joy and contemplation in his readers.
E.V. Lucas's short story "Tight Corners" is a witty and ironic tale that explores themes of
human greed, materialism, and the unpredictability of fate. It is one of his most popular and
frequently anthologized works, showcasing his talent for blending humor and satire.
Summary of "Tight Corners"
The story is narrated by a man who recounts an amusing and suspenseful experience
involving an art auction. Here's a detailed summary:
1. Introduction:
The narrator describes how he found himself in a "tight corner"—a dire situation where he
narrowly escaped disaster. The term "tight corner" metaphorically refers to a predicament
that is challenging to get out of.
2. Setting the Scene:
The narrator attends an art auction out of curiosity rather than with the intention to buy
anything. However, his lack of knowledge about art and auctions sets the stage for an
interesting misadventure.
3. The Misstep:
During the auction, he accidentally bids on a piece of art, a sculpture of "Mercury." To his
horror, the bid escalates, and he finds himself outbidding others, trapped in a situation where
he cannot back out without embarrassment.
4. The Predicament:
The narrator, a man of modest means, realizes that if he wins the bid, he will be ruined
financially. He is struck with panic but continues bidding due to a mix of pride and fear of
humiliation.
5. The Twist:
Just when the narrator believes he is about to face disaster, someone else bids a higher
amount and wins the sculpture. The narrator feels a wave of relief, realizing he has narrowly
avoided financial ruin.
6. Reflection and Humor:
The narrator reflects on the absurdity of the situation, highlighting how close he came to
disaster because of his pride and recklessness. The story ends with a lighthearted yet sharp
commentary on human nature and the social pressures that drive people into unnecessary
risks.
Themes in "Tight Corners"
1. Human Pride and Ego:
The narrator’s reluctance to withdraw from the bidding reflects how pride often traps
people in difficult situations.
2. The Unpredictability of Fate:
The twist ending, where the narrator is saved by sheer luck, underscores how chance
plays a significant role in life.
3. Satire on Materialism:
The story subtly mocks the obsession with art as a status symbol, especially among those
who lack genuine appreciation for it.
4. Humor in Desperation:
The story’s humor stems from the narrator's exaggerated panic and selfawareness about
his predicament.
Writing Style
Lucas's writing in "Tight Corners" is marked by:
Witty and conversational tone.
Subtle satire on societal norms.
Masterful use of irony and an engaging narrative voice.
Conclusion
Tight Corners is a delightful story that captures E.V. Lucas's wit and insight into human
behavior. Its humor, relatable themes, and clever twist make it a memorable piece, often
appreciated by readers for its timeless charm.
Short Answers
Q.1. Write the life introduction of E.V. Lucas.
Ans. The full name of E.V. Lucas (18681938) is Edward Verral Lucas. He was born at
Brighton on 12 June, 1868 in a Quaker family. He did his schooling from Friend's Public
School in Saffron Walden. Later on he went to University College, London. He started his
career as a journalist and joined the staff of Punch in 1902. Soon he gained remarkable
popularity and sound common sense. His well known essay collections are 'Fireside and
Sunshine "Character and Comedy' and 'Old Lamps for New.'
Q.2. Write the literary works of E.V. Lucas.
Ans. He became a profile writer and provided a lot of content for Punch and column A
Wanderer's Notebook for the 'Sunday Times'. Davis collected and published a collection of
his essays on cricket entitled 'Cricket All His Life'. According to Johan Arlott it was best
written of all books on cricket. His works prove him a versatile writer. Contemporary writers
and critics admired his styles as well as him humour. He is also appreciated for his
'Biograpahy of Charles Lamb', After completing his life of passed away on 26 June, 1938.
seventy years. The present essay on 'Bores' is taken form his collection 'Events and
Embroideries' (1926). It this essay, E. V. Lucas presents a very humorous account of the
bores who are unconscious of their borishness. He writes about the tactics used by bores
and counter tactics adopted by their reluctant listeners. He also discusses about various
types of bores and suggests the tricks to get rid of them.
Q. 3. Write the main contribution of E.V. Lucas in English prose.
All together he wrote hundred books. "The Book of Verse for
Ans. Children" came into being in 1897. A parody of H.G Wells's 'The War of the Worlds' was
published in the name of "The War of the Wenuses 'Willow and Leather, was published in
1898. It was a collection of cricket essays. He also wrote a parody encyclopaedia 'Wisdom
While you Wait'. He edited 'Works and Letters' of charles and Mary Lamb. In the year 1905
Lucas wrote biography The Life of Charles Lamb'. His Travelling literature include 'A
Wanderer in Holland' (1905) and 'A Wanderer in London' (1906), 'A Wanderer in Paris', 'A
Wanderer in Fiorence' (1912). 'A Wanderer in Venice' (1914). His book 15/75 A Ya 'As the
Bee Sucks' had a great success at stand, it was published in 1937. The book on cricket
'Crecket all His Life was written in 1950. The book got a huge success at the selling counters
and was praised as the best written of all books on the game of cricket.
Q. 4. What is meant by the statement, "Tight Corners are tighter when they are mental".
Ans. This statement means that the most formidable dangers of life are not physical but
mental. "Present fears are less than horrible imaginings" says Shakespeare in Macbeth and
this can be applied to all human situations. The physical dangers are easily perceptible
hence they can be faced without any considerable difficulty. The dangers that are born out of
our own imagination are terrifying and they unnerve even the boldest mar, of extraordinary
determination. The duration of mental dangers is always much longer than that of physical
danger. It is common experience that the men who are able to face the most serious
dangers are unable to face even a small danger which concerns our inner life. The fact is
that physicaldangers arise only occasionally but we can suffer from mental dangers at all
times and at any time. In order to face a difficult situation which has been caused by our own
imagination, we need a greater degree of mental resourcefulness.
Long Answers
Here are some longanswer questions on E.V. Lucas’s "Tight Corners" with detailed answers:
1. Describe the narrator's predicament in "Tight Corners" and explain how it contributes to
the humor in the story.
Answer:
The narrator’s predicament arises when he inadvertently participates in an art auction and
finds himself caught in a bidding war over a sculpture of Mercury. Although he has no
interest in buying art and lacks the financial means to afford the high prices, his pride and
fear of embarrassment prevent him from backing out. This creates a tense and comical
situation as the narrator continues to bid higher, while internally panicking about the potential
ruin of his finances.
The humor in the story stems from the dramatic contrast between the narrator’s outward
behavior and inner turmoil. While he tries to maintain composure and appear sophisticated,
his thoughts reveal a mix of desperation and selfreproach. The situation is exaggerated to
absurdity, especially when the narrator is saved at the last moment by another bidder’s
higher offer. The humor also lies in the universality of the narrator’s dilemma—many readers
can relate to moments where pride forces them into uncomfortable situations.
Lucas’s lighthearted tone and the irony of the situation further enhance the humor. The story
illustrates how a minor mistake can spiral into a seemingly catastrophic event, only to be
resolved by sheer luck.
2. What themes does E.V. Lucas explore in "Tight Corners," and how are they relevant to
modern readers?
Answer:
In "Tight Corners," E.V. Lucas explores themes such as pride, materialism, human folly, and
the unpredictability of fate. These themes are presented in a humorous and satirical manner,
making the story entertaining while also thoughtprovoking.
Pride and Ego: The narrator’s unwillingness to admit his mistake or withdraw from the
auction stems from his fear of public humiliation. This highlights how pride often leads
people into unnecessary trouble. In modern times, the theme remains relevant, as social
pressures and the desire to maintain appearances continue to influence behavior.
Materialism and Social Status: The narrator’s accidental involvement in the auction reflects
a satirical take on the societal obsession with possessions and appearances. The bidding
war serves as a metaphor for how people sometimes compete over things they neither need
nor fully understand, simply to gain status or recognition. This theme resonates with
contemporary consumer culture.
Folly and Humor in Desperation: The story humorously portrays how people often
overcomplicate situations due to panic and irrational decisions. This theme is timeless and
relatable, as moments of human folly are universal.
Fate and Luck: The narrator’s eventual escape from financial ruin is purely a stroke of luck,
highlighting the unpredictability of life. This idea reminds readers that even in dire situations,
outcomes are not always within one’s control.
Lucas’s exploration of these themes in a witty and engaging manner ensures the story’s
relevance, even for modern audiences.
3. How does E.V. Lucas use irony in "Tight Corners" to enhance the story's impact?
Answer:
Irony plays a central role in E.V. Lucas’s "Tight Corners," creating humor and adding depth to
the narrative. Several instances of irony contribute to the story’s impact:
Situational Irony: The narrator enters the auction with no intention of buying anything but
ends up in a highstakes bidding war. His lack of knowledge about art and auctions contrasts
sharply with the seriousness of the situation he finds himself in.
Dramatic Irony: The audience is privy to the narrator’s internal panic and selfreproach,
which starkly contrasts with his outward demeanor of calm and confidence. This gap
between appearance and reality heightens the humor.
Irony of Pride: The narrator’s predicament is largely selfinflicted due to his unwillingness to
admit his mistake. His pride drives him deeper into trouble, making his eventual relief both
humorous and ironic.
Twist Ending: The story concludes with an ironic twist when another bidder rescues the
narrator by placing a higher bid. The resolution, which comes through no effort of the
narrator’s own, underscores the irony of how luck often intervenes to resolve selfmade
problems.
By employing irony, Lucas not only entertains readers but also subtly critiques human
behavior. The irony enhances the story’s humor while encouraging readers to reflect on the
absurdity of pride and the unpredictable nature of life.
4. Discuss the significance of the title "Tight Corners" in the context of the story.
Answer:
The title "Tight Corners" is a metaphorical reference to challenging situations that are difficult
to escape. It encapsulates the essence of the narrator’s experience at the art auction, where
he finds himself trapped by his own actions and pride.
The term “tight corner” signifies both physical and metaphorical entrapment. In the story, the
narrator is caught in a situation where he feels compelled to continue bidding, despite
knowing the financial ruin it could bring. This sense of being cornered amplifies the tension
and humor in the narrative.
The title also reflects the broader human experience of encountering moments where pride,
fear, or social expectations lead to unnecessary complications. It highlights how minor
mistakes or misunderstandings can escalate into seemingly inescapable predicaments, only
to be resolved by luck or external intervention.
The simplicity of the title contrasts with the complexity of the narrator’s thoughts and
emotions, making it an apt and memorable choice. It serves as a reminder of the story’s
universal theme—that life’s tight corners, while stressful, often resolve themselves in
unexpected and sometimes humorous ways.
multiplechoice questions based on E.V. Lucas’s "Tight
Corners":
1. What is the narrator's primary reason for attending the auction?
a) He is interested in buying art.
b) He wants to observe the auction out of curiosity.
c) He intends to sell some artwork.
d) He is accompanying a friend who is bidding.
Answer: b) He wants to observe the auction out of curiosity.
2. What item does the narrator accidentally bid on?
a) A painting of a landscape.
b) A rare piece of jewelry.
c) A sculpture of Mercury.
d) A historical artifact.
Answer: c) A sculpture of Mercury.
3. Why does the narrator continue bidding even though he cannot afford the item?
a) He genuinely wants the sculpture.
b) He doesn’t want to appear foolish in front of others.
c) He believes the item is a good investment.
d) He is trying to drive up the price for fun.
Answer: b) He doesn’t want to appear foolish in front of others.
4. How is the narrator saved from financial ruin?
a) He withdraws his bid at the last moment.
b) He negotiates with the auctioneer.
c) Another bidder places a higher bid.
d) The auctioneer cancels his bid.
Answer: c) Another bidder places a higher bid.
5. What is the tone of the story "Tight Corners"?
a) Tragic and emotional.
b) Humorous and satirical.
c) Serious and analytical.
d) Dark and mysterious.
Answer: b) Humorous and satirical.
6. What theme does the story highlight about human behavior?
a) The inevitability of fate.
b) The value of perseverance.
c) The dangers of pride and social pressure.
d) The pursuit of knowledge.
Answer: c) The dangers of pride and social pressure.
7. What literary device is prominently used in the story to create humor?
a) Simile.
b) Hyperbole.
c) Irony.
d) Personification.
Answer: c) Irony.
8. What does the narrator learn from his experience?
a) To avoid attending auctions in the future.
b) That luck can sometimes save people from their mistakes.
c) That art is a valuable investment.
d) To always bid carefully and confidently.
Answer: b) That luck can sometimes save people from their mistakes.
9. What is the significance of the phrase “tight corners” in the story?
a) It refers to the narrator's financial struggles.
b) It represents the challenges of navigating an auction.
c) It symbolizes situations that are difficult to escape.
d) It describes the auction room’s cramped layout.
Answer: c) It symbolizes situations that are difficult to escape.
10. How does E.V. Lucas portray the narrator’s thoughts during the auction?
a) Calm and collected.
b) Panicked and humorous.
c) Logical and focused.
d) Detached and indifferent.
Answer: b) Panicked and humorous.
Here are 10 more multiplechoice questions based on "Tight Corners":
1. What kind of sculpture is the Mercury that the narrator bids on?
a) A small, elegant bronze piece.
b) A massive marble statue.
c) A golden idol.
d) A wooden carving.
Answer: a) A small, elegant bronze piece.
2. How does the narrator feel as the bidding price increases?
a) Excited and hopeful.
b) Nervous and regretful.
c) Indifferent and calm.
d) Confident and determined.
Answer: b) Nervous and regretful.
3. What does the narrator compare his predicament to?
a) Falling into a trap.
b) Being stuck in quicksand.
c) Being in a tight corner.
d) Running a race.
Answer: c) Being in a tight corner.
4. Why is the narrator unable to stop bidding?
a) He truly desires the sculpture.
b) He enjoys the thrill of the auction.
c) He is too embarrassed to admit his mistake.
d) He is competing with someone he dislikes.
Answer: c) He is too embarrassed to admit his mistake.
5. What lesson does the narrator reflect on at the end of the story?
a) The importance of studying art before attending auctions.
b) That pride can lead to unnecessary trouble.
c) The joy of taking risks.
d) The value of money over possessions.
Answer: b) That pride can lead to unnecessary trouble.
6. What does the narrator imagine will happen if he wins the bid?
a) He will impress the audience.
b) He will be financially ruined.
c) He will sell the sculpture at a profit.
d) He will donate the sculpture to a museum.
Answer: b) He will be financially ruined.
7. How does the narrator describe the auctioneer’s demeanor?
a) Friendly and inviting.
b) Ruthless and intimidating.
c) Professional and businesslike.
d) Mocking and sarcastic.
Answer: c) Professional and businesslike.
8. What does the narrator's behavior at the auction reveal about human nature?
a) People often act impulsively under pressure.
b) Humans are naturally competitive and greedy.
c) People always calculate their actions carefully.
d) Humans are indifferent to social appearances.
Answer: a) People often act impulsively under pressure.
9. What kind of ending does the story have?
a) Tragic and regretful.
b) Ironic and humorous.
c) Suspenseful and unresolved.
d) Dramatic and shocking.
Answer: b) Ironic and humorous.
10. What does the other bidder’s intervention symbolize in the story?
a) The narrator’s ability to outsmart others.
b) The randomness of luck in life.
c) The generosity of strangers.
d) The fairness of auctions.
Answer: b) The randomness of luck in life.
These questions delve deeper into the narrative's details, themes, and underlying messages,
ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the story.
