This disturbing tale by Prosper Mérimée has been called “the cruellest story in the world”. Although it deals with some complex issues, the plot is rather simple. Set in the wilds of Corsica, a bratty ten-year-old boy left home alone is confronted by a wounded criminal fleeing the police. He pays the boy to hide him but, when the police arrive and offer a bigger reward, the boy betrays the man. This brings shame upon his family, and forces his father to enforce the Corsican Code of Honor. Themes include greed, honor and betrayal, custom (vendetta), violence and brutality.
It is interesting to contemplate the rationale for the father’s action. Although possibly motivated by wounded pride the killing, brutal as it may seem, also forestalls what could have been a vicious vendetta. Under the Corsican Code of Honor, the criminal’s family would have had to avenge his betrayal in blood. The boy’s family would have had to retaliate, and so on. The father’s savage act could well have saved the lives of others in his family.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (4,400 words)