A Tale Of A Tub

The narrator agrees with the booksellers that the weather is good for the sale of this book. When the buyer asks the seller for the name of the author, he will name a popular writer of that week, ensuring better sales of the book. Indeed, writers are like wells: “[Their writing] shall pass, however, for wondrous deep, upon no wiser a reason because it is wondrous dark” (164). A writer can fake depth or appear to be wiser than he is by using obfuscation with language or ideas. The narrator wonders how an author knows how to finish their piece, and how they know when to leave the reader and go on their way. Just like saying goodbye to a friend, the departing can take longer than the core of the conversation. In any case, he hopes that he was witty when he couldn’t be wise. Writing and publishing are difficult, and one has to wait for the right audience.

This selection includes a short summary of Jack, Martin, and Peter’s previous adventures. Martin and Jack have parted. Peter would not give Martin shelter. Martin traveled to the Thuringians, who resided near his land.