The Riding of Felipe

Benjamin Franklin Norris was an American writer and journalist in a period of “Progressive Era”. He was the first author who brought French naturalism in American literature. Norris was not a supporter of socialism as a political system, but his works were in a socialist orientation and inspired many progressive writers. Darwinian Theory of evolution and some Spencer’s articles made a huge influence on his works. “The Riding of Felipe” is one of the best short stories by Frank Norris with love triangle. The plot is built around Felipe Arillaga, a young lad who is engaged to his playmate, a blondie Buelna Martiarena. He had a fling with swarthy Rubia, but now he decided to end the affair and go back to his acknowledged lover and fiancée. Both women are deeply in love with this frivolous person. Rubia will go all length in order to make him fall for her again. Meanwhile, Buelna distraught by Felipe’s deception is ready to take the veil on midnight. Could her lover reach Santa Teresa before midnight and save her from lonely life? What does he see on the way to Santa Teresa? How this story will end for Rubia? A mixture of different events will bring happiness as well as sorrow so a demanding reader of “The Riding of Felipe” will be satisfied with the dynamic storyline.