WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

In the chapter “What Might Have Been” from “Dolly Dialogues,” the serene setting of a Sunday afternoon is disrupted by Dolly’s determination to have a row of flower pots moved from one side of the terrace to the other, despite it being too much work for the day. Archie, driven by Dolly’s insistence, begins the laborious task under the scorching sun, while the others, including the narrator, Samuel Travers Carter, lounge in the shade. The chapter unfolds with a blend of light-hearted conversation and philosophical musings on love, imperfection, and the expectations placed upon individuals by themselves and others.

The narrative gently critiques the trivial whims that drive actions, as well as the profound reflections these actions inspire amongst the characters. Nellie Phaeton and the narrator engage in a dialogue over the absurdities and expectations of love and marriage, revealing their perspectives on personal imperfection and the societal pressures of matrimonial alliances. The narrator, with a mix of jest and seriousness, uses his own experiences—or the lack thereof—with love to poke fun at the situations people find themselves in due to romantic endeavors.

The pivotal moment comes when, moved by a whimsical impulse, the narrator decides to aid Archie by moving the rest of the flower pots himself. This action sparks a variety of reactions: amusement, surprise, and a hint of admiration. The task becomes a metaphor for the roles and expectations in relationships, subtly questioning the balance of effort and the perception of what is deemed necessary or unnecessary labor in the name of love or obligation.

After completing the task, Dolly whimsically comments that the pots looked better on the original side, highlighting her capricious nature. A banter ensues, revealing the underlying tensions and attractions among the characters. The narrator’s self-reflection and the dialogue with Dolly hint at broader themes of compatibility, societal expectations, and the personal compromises necessary in relationships.

In a twist, the discussion shifts to a mistaken assumption about the narrator’s inclinations towards Mrs. Hilary—a misunderstanding that brings a moment of realization and a subtle reveal of underlying feelings amongst the characters. Dolly’s final act of moving the pots back not only serves as a gesture of conciliation but also symbolizes the give-and-take dynamic in relationships.

This chapter masterfully combines wit, societal critique, and the complexities of human relationships, all under the guise of a simple afternoon activity. The language is rich with irony and playful banter, reflecting the chapter’s themes and the characters’ intricate relationships.