'The Third One' Story Analysis: Fiction Elements and Modern Conflicts

This essay provides a detailed analysis of the story 'The Third One' by examining various elements of fiction, including plot, setting, character, conflict, symbol, and point of view. The narrative delves into the inner conflicts of modern society through the psychological experiences of the husband, wife, and an outsider narrator. The plot revolves around conversations between the narrator and Zelig Fingerbein, a landlord, revealing the emotional tribulations of the characters in their quest for love and relationships. The story uses symbols to highlight the weakening moral fabric of society, particularly through the character of Max, who represents blurred lines of sexuality. Internal conflicts are evident throughout the storyline, as characters grapple with their desires and the consequences of their choices, reflecting a broader commentary on the complexities of modern relationships and societal values. The analysis emphasizes how these elements contribute to the story's intensity and its portrayal of a society grappling with psychological and sexual freedom.

Surname 1
Student Name
Instructor's
the Course
Number
Submission
Date
The Third One
The paper analyzes the story "The Third One" based on elements of fiction in the story
like the plot, setting, character, conflict, symbol, and point of view. The story draws upon the
inner conflicts of the modern society through the psychological experiences of the husband and
his wife while the narrator stands as an outsider, reflecting upon the society. The author makes
use of certain symbols to show the weakening moral fabric of the society.
Plot
The plot in the story” "The Third One" is based on the conversations the narrator has with
Zelig Fingerbein, a landlord. As the two talk to each other in a cafeteria, the plot unravels. It is
about Fingerbein, his beautiful wife Genia and Max, a refugee from Poland. Fingerbein and his
wife Genia are connected to the narrator because of his writings. The story shows the emotional
tribulations the characters go through in their life in their quest for love and relationships. Max as
a homosexual is interested in both the husband and the wife. Fingerbein mentions the lack of
good literature and uses the word” homosexual” to show the blurred lines developing in the
modern society. There is no end to the story, only a revelation as to where the modern world is
heading for.
The physical setting of the story is within a cafeteria in New York on Bradway. It is hot
outside while the cafeteria is cool inside. There are three main characters in the story, apart from
the narrator. The narrator is a writer, and as he is enjoying his second cup of coffee, it shows that
he likes to spend time alone in the café. He likes to observe people around him and his thoughts

Surname 2
show that he makes a good observation of them. The narrative point of view is in Frist person
and told by a character within the story. The narrator is a writer who writes on the subject of
religion, marriage, and sex. Thus, the point of view is first person protagonist who tells the story
from his point of view.
Zelig Fingerbein comes across as a talkative person. He is an unsuccessful poet and now
a landlord, and it shows that he is a practical man who knows that he needs money to live life. As
he discloses the secrets of his life with the narrator goes on to show that he feels connected to
him and trusts him. He is open about his relationships with other women, and even his wife is
aware of his deceits in life. As he does not encourage Max, it shows that he is not a homosexual
and interested only in women. Although he is open to the idea of having relationships outside
marriage as a liberated modern man, he is not able to take it when he comes to know that his
wife is having an affair. Genia is the beautiful wife of Zelig Fingerbein who is deeply in love
with him. She is aware of his philandering ways but as a pious soul, is happy that her husband
comes back to her. She walks around like a holy virgin, proud of her status. Gradually, the
psychology changes and she wants to find a man for herself. When she finds the man in Max, she
is slightly disappointed as he ignores her and takes more interest in her husband. Max, the
refugee from Poland, comes across a man with heterosexual needs. He is determined in his
pursuits and does everything possible to stay in the life of Zelig Fingerbein. When he doesn’t
succeed, he gives in to the charms of his wife and spends time with her.
Internal conflict is evident all through the storyline. Zelig Fingerbein is introspecting his
life as he discusses the psychology of men and women with the narrator. He is unhappy that he
was not successful as a poet and ponders over his life. He considers himself a modern man who
can take certain advantages to enjoy his life. Although the couple is in love with each other and

Surname 3
give each other freedom, they are never at peace. Genia wants to experience what it would be
like to have a lover, and while Fingerbein encourages her in this matter, he is not able to take it
when his wife confesses that she is having an affair with Max. He feels that his whole life is
destroyed and he feels sick. The story emphasizes the conflict to make it more interesting. Both
the characters are not able to enjoy a peaceful sleep.
There is little use of symbols in the story. For example, the narrator describes Zelig
Fingerbein’s face towards the end as half green and half red, like a modern painting. His face
symbolizes for the confits within the modern world regarding their relationships and sexuality.
Another symbol is the presence of Max who has blurred the lines of sexuality and symbolizes the
greed of pleasure in the modern society. The mention of nine muses of Satan in the story stand
for those women in the modern society who boast about their illicit sexual activities.
The conflict and chaos that develops in the life of the couple as they explore their sexual
freedom outside. Although they give each other the space and freedom, the narrator can observe
inner conflict that is growing within due to their psychological experiences. Use of certain
symbols adds to the intensity of the downgraded society.