Two Gentle Man of Verona- Essay

Two Gentlemen of Verona

- A.J.Cronin

A.J. Cronin’s short story “Two Gentlemen of Verona” illustrates selfless help and dedication towards relationship. The story revolves around two young boys named Nicola and Jacapo. The story begins with the author’s visit to the city of Verona. His car was stopped by two small boys who were selling strawberries. They were shabbily dressed. The driver cautioned the author against purchasing the fruits. The boys were very skinny but their eyes were sincere. So, the author took an instant liking for these boys and bought a basket of strawberries.

Next morning, the author noticed those two boys polishing shoes. The boys smiled and told him that they do many other kinds of jobs, like escorting tourists around the city. The author discovered that the boys were very friendly and innocent. However, beneath their cheerful smiles,he could recognize seriousness and sadness. He was struck by their interest to do more and more work. But he was surprised to see their poor clothes and bad food habit. 

Before leaving the city, the author asked if he could do something for them. Nicola, the elder one refused, but the younger one requested to drive them to Poleta, 30 kms away. As a last gesture of goodwill, the author volunteered to drive the boys himself.  The following afternoon, they all drove to the tiny village, near a hill. The author was surprised to halt beside a villa. The boys leapt out and asked the author to pick them up from the same place, after an hour. Out of curiosity, he went in and was greeted by a nurse. Through a glass partition, the author saw that the boys were seated beside a girl aged 20, who appeared to be their sister.

The author didn’t wish to interrupt a happy family reunion. So he did not enter the room. The nurse revealed that the children’s father had been killed in a war, and a bomb had destroyed their house. Since the Germans ruled the city for many years, the children had to undergo a lot of suffering. Their sister, Lucia, who wanted to be a singer, couldn’t bear the cold and starvation, and contracted tuberculosis of the spine. The boys brought Lucia there, and every week, they brought enough money for her treatment.

Later, the author was rejoined by the boys and they drove back to the city. The boys remained tight-lipped, and the author also decided to remain quiet. Because he respected their privacy. The author left the city filled with admiration, at the courage and relentless effort of two young boys who remained determined despite the setbacks of the war.