The House of Pride, and Other Tales of Hawaii

Set against the backdrop of Hawaii, the story follows Percival Ford, a wealthy and influential man who feels out of place among the vibrant army officers and their assertive wives. Despite his social standing, he grapples with discomfort and disdain towards the army's boisterous lifestyle and the overt femininity of the women, which contrasts sharply with the serious, demure women he prefers. Ford's internal conflict reveals his fastidious nature and his struggle with feelings of inadequacy, highlighting themes of social class, gender dynamics, and personal identity.