Erisa Kironde’s The Trick

"The Trick" by Erisa Kironde

(Part-III - Core XV - Short-stories and One-act Plays - Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

Title: Exploring Erisa Kironde's "The Trick"

Introduction

Erisa Kironde's "The Trick" is a captivating tale that explores themes of deception, trust, and the consequences of one's actions. The story revolves around a young, ambitious man named Jonathan, who is determined to become wealthy by any means necessary. Kironde's narrative is filled with twists and turns, and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.  

Plot Summary

"The Trick" begins with Jonathan, a clever but unscrupulous man, who is eager to find a way to become rich quickly. He learns about a wealthy widow named Mrs. Asante, who owns a large estate in the city. Jonathan devises a plan to deceive Mrs. Asante into giving him her fortune.

Pretending to be a long-lost nephew of her late husband, Jonathan approaches Mrs. Asante and gains her trust. He plays the role of a caring and devoted family member, sharing fabricated stories of his life and adventures. Over time, Mrs. Asante grows to love Jonathan as if he were her own son.

One day, Jonathan convinces Mrs. Asante to rewrite her will, leaving him as the sole beneficiary. The moment she signs the new will, Jonathan reveals his true identity and intentions. Betrayed and heartbroken, Mrs. Asante suffers a heart attack and dies on the spot.

Believing that he has successfully executed his plan, Jonathan rejoices in his newfound wealth. However, he soon discovers that Mrs. Asante had one final trick up her sleeve. Before her death, she secretly changed the will once more, leaving her fortune to charity. In the end, Jonathan is left with nothing but the bitter taste of defeat.

Characters

1. Jonathan: The protagonist of the story, Jonathan is an ambitious and cunning young man. He is driven by greed and a desire for wealth, going to great lengths to deceive Mrs. Asante. Despite his intelligence, Jonathan ultimately falls victim to his own hubris.
2. Mrs. Asante: A wealthy widow who is kind-hearted and trusting. She becomes the target of Jonathan's deception, but proves to be a formidable opponent. Through her cunning and resourcefulness, Mrs. Asante is able to outsmart Jonathan and secure her legacy.

Themes

1. Deception: "The Trick" revolves around the theme of deception, as Jonathan manipulates Mrs. Asante with lies and deceit. The story serves as a cautionary tale, warning readers of the consequences that come with dishonesty and trickery.
2. Trust: Trust plays a significant role in the story, as it allows Jonathan to get close to Mrs. Asante. However, the story also shows how trust can be abused, leading to betrayal and heartbreak.
3. Consequences: The story emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of one's actions. Jonathan's greed and deception ultimately lead to his own downfall, while Mrs. Asante's wisdom and foresight ensure her fortune is used for good.

Conclusion

Erisa Kironde's "The Trick" is a riveting tale that explores the consequences of deception, the importance of trust, and the power of resourcefulness. Through the characters of Jonathan and Mrs. Asante, the story serves as a reminder that greed and dishonesty can lead to one's downfall. "The Trick" is a powerful and engaging story that teaches readers valuable life lessons.