The South-Sea House by Charles Lamb (Summary)

 

The South-Sea House

by Charles Lamb

(Summary) 

This story is about the memories of the places, buildings and activities of people. The building in the story is the South Sea House. The writer narrates his tale of the place, where many people lived. They may be long gone but their memories are still buried in the walls of the South-Sea House.

The story begins with an account of the past of an old and splendid building on the banks of England. The place was once a busy place of trade with people from all sorts of businesses. They meet to exchange their supplies and make profits. The place which is quiet now was once full of hopes, noise and optimism.

The writer remembers working in the place as a young man and seeing other young men working hard there. Now almost five years later, he finds the silence and inactivity of the place comforting and nostalgic.

He remembers that his mates used to share jokes and have fun. They were conservative in outlook but hopeful in their attitudes. One such character was Evans. He hailed from Wales and was quite passive all day until he would have his fill of some sweet muffins.

His assistant, Thomas was arrogant and boastful, but all his pomp was in contrast to his meagre means.

Tip, the accountant was boring and self-disciplined. He always played safe but had a soft heart for the under-privileged kids. Henry, the writer was intelligent and eloquent and Maynard was a skilled singer.

Many of the writer’s friends, that haunted the Sea House once are now no more. The memory of a place that once thrived with activity and laughter was reduced to a picture of sadness and solitude.