Appointment in Samarra

Appointment in Samarra Summary | Chapter 1, Part 1 Summary

A few hours after midnight on Christmas morning, Lute Fliegler wakes up wanting his wife, Irma. For a moment, he thinks about letting her sleep, because he knows she worked very hard to get ready for Christmas and is probably exhausted. However, he also knows Irma loves Christmas. Although she says three children are enough, she would probably risk it, because Christmas puts her in a good mood. Finally, Lute gives in to the temptation to wake her. Afterward, when Lute is asleep, the story shifts from the mind of Lute to the mind of Irma.

Irma looks out the window onto Lantenengo Street to see the snow and finds that she is thinking about how much she hates the Jewish family that has moved in across the street. Even though they paid much more than the asking price of their house, Irma is convinced that the Jewish family is driving down property values on her street.

Irma gets back into bed, thinking that, unlike the Jewish family, she belongs on Lantenengo Street. She belongs there, not only because she is Lute's wife, but also because she comes from one of the oldest and best families in Gibbsville. Her grandfather was even awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Irma feels that, as her grandfather's favorite, she should have inherited that medal. Her brother has it, though, since he carries on the family name. Irma reminds herself that, as long as he appreciates it and takes care of it, then that is all that matters.

Irma hears a car with a loose tire chain driving up Lantenengo Street. She thinks it is a Dodge and speculates that there might have been an accident at one of the mines. Maybe someone with a company car has been called out to see about it. She is glad Lute does not work for the mines. Lute is a Cadillac salesman. Irma hears another car coming down the road. She recognizes it as the Buick that belongs to the dentist. Since his wife is pregnant, Irma thinks, they probably left the party at the country club a little early. It is only 3:20 am, and the part is probably just now getting good.

Irma looks forward to joining the country club next year. Like everyone else, she hopes that President Hoover is right, and that money will not be so scarce in 1931. Even though Irma could go to the country club this year as a guest, she and Lute have decided to wait until they can afford to join. She appreciates how honest and dependable Lute is, so she does not mind waiting to join the club. She is glad she is not married to Lute's boss, Julian English, even though that would mean she would already belong to the club. She would not want to trade lives with Caroline English.