31 pages 1 hour read

Ernest Hemingway

A Day's Wait

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1933

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Important Quotes

Quotation Mark Icon

“He came into the room to shut the windows while we were still in bed and I saw he looked ill.”


(Lines 1-2)

This introductory sentence provides the first characterization of Schatz. First, he’s self-sufficient, taking care of a problem (the open window) without asking for help. Second, it provides the first indication that Schatz is ill. Additionally, this is the first ellipsis in the story. The “we” hints that other people, most likely female, are in the house, though they never make an appearance.

Quotation Mark Icon

“He was shivering, his face was white, and he walked slowly as though it ached to move.”


(Lines 2-3)

The only physical descriptions of Schatz include descriptions of how he responds to his illness. This quote provides imagery that conveys how sick the child looks. In addition, it provides characterization that reveals Schatz’s strength as he moves around despite feeling miserable.

Quotation Mark Icon

“‘What’s the matter, Schatz?’

‘I’ve got a headache.’

‘You better go back to bed.’

‘No. I’m all right.’”


(Lines 4-8)

Thus begins the many miscommunications in this work. Schatz isn’t all right, but he’s trying desperately not to bother anyone. Meanwhile, the narrative reveals that Papa is concerned but does a terrible job showing it. He simply tells the boy to go back to bed as though he’s a bother.

Related Titles

By Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

Ernest Hemingway

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

Ernest Hemingway

Plot Summary

logo

Across the River and into the Trees

Ernest Hemingway

Across the River and into the Trees

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

A Farewell to Arms

Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell to Arms

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

A Moveable Feast

Ernest Hemingway

A Moveable Feast

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

A Very Short Story

Ernest Hemingway

A Very Short Story

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

Big Two-Hearted River

Ernest Hemingway

Big Two-Hearted River

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

Cat in the Rain

Ernest Hemingway

Cat in the Rain

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Ernest Hemingway

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Ernest Hemingway

Plot Summary

logo

Green Hills of Africa

Ernest Hemingway

Green Hills of Africa

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

In Another Country

Ernest Hemingway

In Another Country

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

Indian Camp

Ernest Hemingway

Indian Camp

Ernest Hemingway

Plot Summary

logo

In Our Time

Ernest Hemingway

In Our Time

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

Old Man at the Bridge

Ernest Hemingway

Old Man at the Bridge

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

Soldier's Home

Ernest Hemingway

Soldier's Home

Ernest Hemingway

Plot Summary

logo

Solider's Home

Ernest Hemingway

Solider's Home

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

Ten Indians

Ernest Hemingway

Ten Indians

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

The Garden of Eden

Ernest Hemingway

The Garden of Eden

Ernest Hemingway

Study Guide

logo

The Killers

Ernest Hemingway

The Killers

Ernest Hemingway

Plot Summary

logo

The Nick Adams Stories

Ernest Hemingway

The Nick Adams Stories

Ernest Hemingway