The Lamp At Noon Summary

Whether good or bad, events which occur in a person’s life can affect the way they think and act. The short story, “The Lamp at Noon”, is written by Sinclair Ross and focuses on the issue a family has to face as they fight against their own beliefs as well as the harsh nature surrounding them. The married partners, Paul and Ellen, have conflicted views on their lifestyle as Ellen wants to move back into town for her own reasons and for their baby’s health. However, Paul wants to stay on his farm for his own pleasure. Although people are often blinded by their pride, when confronted with others opinions, they are persuaded to alter their commitment.

The author develops a sense of pride in both Paul and Ellen. Paul is adamant that they should not leave as his own dignity is superior than his love for his family. He strongly believes that the crops will eventually grow and so they will have enough to live on. This shows that Paul still has confidence in his farm land, and he would not go to the city to work as this goes against what he lives for which is farming. He belongs in the farm and he …show more content…
Paul leaves the house and is left to ponder about Ellen’s words. He thinks if Ellen is actually right about the failure of the farm, as he can’t even feed his own horse. He starts thinking if he is really just wasting their lives, supporting Ellen’s view. Doubt creeps into him and started to defeat his pride. Meanwhile Ellen is left alone to wonder about Paul’s words about staying on the farm as there is nothing else better for them. Ellen’s hatred towards the farm all changes as soon as her baby slips away. She begins to go crazy as she is seen running outside with her baby. The reader is finally told by the author about Ellen’s change of perspective when she says is talking to Paul. She told him he was right, that the storm would go down, and a red sky, meaning that “tomorrow will be fine.”