October in the Chair

“October was in the chair, so it was chilly that evening, and the leaves were red and orange and tumbled from the trees that circled the grove. The twelve of them sat around a campfire roasting huge sausages on sticks, which spat and crackled as the fat dripped onto the burning apple-wood, and drinking fresh apple cider, tangy and tart in their mouths.”

These two sentences open “October in the Chair” and introduce the setting and titular character. The description of the grove also characterizes the relationship between the characters and the chair. There is a direct connection between October’s leading the meeting and the fall-inspired refreshments and autumnal weather. This suggests that the character of October is more than just a person but the actual month brought to life.

“His beard was all colors, a grove of trees in autumn, deep brown and fire-orange and wine-red, an untrimmed tangle across the lower half of his face. His cheeks were apple-red. He looked like a friend; like someone you had known all your life.”

Neil Gaiman uses imagery to characterize the months and demonstrates a strong connection between the month of October and October’s physical appearance. His beard is the color of falling leaves and his cheeks evoke both apples, an autumnal harvest staple, and the crisp air that causes rosy cheeks. In addition, October is described as looking like a friend, developing his warm personality that is later demonstrated when he supports November.

“September said, ‘Obviously pathos and culture are not to everyone's taste. Some people prefer their barbecues and beer, and some of us like—’”

August criticizes September’s story as lackluster, and September fights back with a snarky comment. While September represents the transition to the final part of the year and sees himself as very important, August is the final month of summer and is depicted as a large, golden-haired, and sunburned man.