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The Black Pelican
Synopsis |
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Vitus, searching for his place in the world, suffers devastating personal and professional blows caused by his nemesis, Julian. Driven to the brink, Vitus contemplates an ultimate revenge, devising a secret plan to kill Julian that becomes the main focus of his life.
Julian is sent to M., a mysterious, rumor-shrouded town. Vitus, who has long dreamed of traveling there, sets off after Julian with a loaded pistol. However, once in M., he finds that his search for Julian is futile. Also, the town itself refuses to reveal its secrets.
Vitus becomes disheartened, overwhelmed with a “dead end” feeling, which has tortured him for years. Trapped in a muddle, he makes a desperate move – delves deeper, down to the ocean dunes that are home to a fearsome legend about the Black Pelican. Vitus searches for his enemy there, refusing to admit that his journey is now about himself more than Julian.
Vitus joins fellow travelers led by the fortune hunter, Gibbs. It soon becomes clear that they are exploiting Vitus in a dangerous scheme. Under false pretenses they send Vitus to the treacherous waters where the black pelicans hunt.
Vitus is shocked to find that the Black Pelican is no myth. Finally, the world notices Vitus, offering him the chance to demonstrate his potential. Forced to endure fear, pain, and despair, he discovers a newfound inner fortitude. He suffers defeat – but he also gains a small victory by insisting on his own terms despite humiliation and mockery.
Vitus survives almost unscathed. He gradually recovers strength and courage among the fishing villagers bordering the dunes. Soon he begins to feel cramped, but then the cruel Gibbs finds him again. They settle things, and Vitus now sees Gibbs as a soul mate, despite his recent deceit.
Inspired, Vitus returns to M. to revise his original plan. With the help of Gibbs’ connections and newly acquired inner strength, he finds Julian and lures him to the ocean shore, where the black pelicans gather. But once there, Vitus chooses not to murder Julian. Instead he leaves him to suffer, tormented and alone. Through this apparent act of mercy, Vitus finds ultimate liberation by defeating his enemy and gaining his revenge.
Vitus leaves town no longer caring about Julian. He knows that meeting the Black Pelican has set them both onto different paths for good. But Vitus’ soul remains empty. On top of that, news comes of Gibbs’s sudden death, which rocks him to the core. Yet he feels triumphant, not vanquished. Seeing the world his way, rather than adapting to the expectations of others, is his victory. “I don’t have a secret any more,” he says, “but I am no longer ashamed of myself.”
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