The Optimist

Set against the backdrop of a post-World War I village, the story explores Owen Quentillian's visit to Canon Morchard, who embodies Victorian ideals amidst the war's devastation. As Quentillian navigates the complexities of the Canon's family dynamics, he questions whether the Canon is a tyrant and if his children are yearning for independence. The narrative delves into themes of optimism, the impact of war on traditional values, and the lessons that can be learned from this fractured family.