"A Canary for One" Summary

A train travels through France on the way to Paris. An older American woman is taking a bird to her daughter in Paris. She discusses her daughter with an American couple who share her compartment. She explains that she believes that American men make the best husbands. She adds that she broke up a relationship between her daughter and a Swiss man. Her daughter has been depressed about the end of the relationship for the last two years and the older woman feels that the bird will help to cheer her up. After the train arrives in Paris, the American couple reveals that they are looking for separate residences.

"A Canary for One" Analysis

The situation between the older American woman and her daughter is sadly humorous. The older woman hopes to substitute a bird...