"A Simple Enquiry" Summary

A group of military men are living in a house together. The major calls in the orderly and asks him if he is in love with a girl. The orderly assures him that he is. The major sends him away.

"A Simple Enquiry" Analysis

Another unspoken topic is at the center of this short story. The major is asking if the orderly is homosexual, with the implication that the major is homosexual and looking for a partner among his staff. Homosexuality is never mentioned in the story, but provides the basis for the conversation and the uncomfortable air between the major and his staff.