paper on Tobermory

ENGLISH CULTURE/IDIOSYNCRASY REFLECTED IN THE STORY

In Tobermory, as in many of his stories, Saki clearly depicts the aristocratic England of

Edward ‘s times, making use of a high witted, ironic, and humorous language that helps us understand his critical point of view towards high-class people. He mocks society with a particular mischievous style and a subtle annoyance and dislike for aristocracy can be sensed in the stories.

The tendency to judge from appearances is highlighted by the fact that the same truth spoken by two differently assumed persons is taken as valid or improbable according to who’s telling it. (Appin/Mr Wilfrid’s statemen

· “A Babel-like chorus of startled exclamation arose, amid which the scientist sat mutely enjoying the first fruit of his stupendous discovery. /'The Envy of Sisyphus,' because it goes quite nicely up-hill if you push it." (Good use of allegories to express the ideas.)

*"When your inclusion in this house-party was suggested Sir Wilfrid protested that you were the most brainless woman of his acquaintance, and that there was a wide distinction between hospitality and the care of the feeble-minded. Lady Blemley replied that your lack of brain-power was the precise quality which had earned you your invitation, as you were the only person she could think of who might be idiotic enough to buy their old car.”

* By midday most of the guests had quitted the Towers, and after lunch Lady Blemley had sufficiently recovered her spirits to write an extremely nasty letter to the Rectory about the loss of her valuable pet.

One of Saki’s preferred and reoccurring characters. This individual serves as a vehicle for Saki’s own actions to be carried out in the stories. In Tobermory, Clovis represents the typical Englishman who keeps his composure in delicate situations but adds humour to the circumstances; for example, by his contortion of lips to say ”RATS”, or when planning a way of bribing the cat with a box of mice.

Some topics in this essay:
Tobermory Clovis, Lady Blemley, Appin/Mr Wilfrid’s, IRONY Saki, England Edward, Sir Wilfred, Clovis” Tobermory, Judging Cornett, Envy Sisyphus', CLOVIS Saki’s, verbal wit, lady blemley, short story,