"The Man of the House" is a short story written by Irish author Frank O'Connor. It tells the story of a young boy named Tommy who lives with his mother and two sisters in a small Irish village. Tommy's father died when he was very young, and as the oldest male in the household, Tommy feels a sense of responsibility to protect and provide for his family.
One day, Tommy's mother tells him that she has invited a man named Mr. Hennessey to dinner. Tommy is unhappy about this, as he does not trust Mr. Hennessey and believes that he is trying to take his father's place in the household. Tommy becomes even more upset when Mr. Hennessey brings his daughter, Mary, with him to dinner. Tommy sees Mary as a threat to his role as the man of the house, and he becomes angry and jealous.
Despite his initial reluctance, Tommy eventually agrees to sit down and have dinner with Mr. Hennessey and Mary. As they eat, Tommy begins to see that Mr. Hennessey is not trying to replace his father, but is simply a kind and generous man who wants to help Tommy's family. Tommy begins to see that Mr. Hennessey is not his enemy, but rather a friend and ally.
As the evening wears on, Tommy's resentment towards Mr. Hennessey begins to fade, and he begins to see him as a mentor and role model. He realizes that he can learn a lot from Mr. Hennessey, and that he can still be the man of the house even if there are other people in the household.
In the end, Tommy decides to let go of his jealousy and embrace Mr. Hennessey as a member of the family. He realizes that it is important to let go of his ego and be open to new experiences and relationships, and that the most important thing is to be a good and loving son, brother, and man of the house.
"The Man of the House" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores themes of family, responsibility, and personal growth. It is a testament to the power of forgiveness and understanding, and serves as a reminder of the importance of being open to new experiences and relationships.
