Michael

"Michael" by E. F. Benson is a tale set in early 20th-century Britain, exploring the rigid structures of class and the burning pursuit of personal dreams. The story focuses on Michael Comber, a lord’s son, torn between the heavy expectations of his family and his intense yearning for a life dedicated to music - against the wishes of his father. Initially, Michael is seen in his London flat, assisting his cousin Francis financially, revealing his discomfort in social settings versus Francis’s easygoing nature. Michael then resigns from the army, driven by his desire to focus on his passion for music. Frustrated with the shallow demands of his noble status, he contemplates his family's established legacy as he anticipates his father’s disapproval, setting up a conflict between pursuing individuality and adhering to customary roles.