Two former lovers, Bill and Mary, cross paths in Washington Square in New York. Years have passed since they last saw each other. They exchange pleasantries about their … See more

The narrativestarts with a brief, neutral history of Bill and Mary's relationship. Then, it moves to their current reunion, and the omniscient narrator gives us some details from each c… See more

At first, it seems obvious that Mary is the one who is in her "autumn." She looks noticeably old, and in fact, she is older than Bill. Autumn represents a time of loss, and Mary clearl… See more

Overall, "Early Autumn" feels sparse, like a tree nearly bare of leaves. The characters are at a loss for words, and readers can feel it. There is one moment in the story that feels n… See more