Sredni Vashtar - Saki (Hector Hugo Munro)
- How is Conradin Shown to have a rampant imagination?
- How are the authority figures (including the doctor) described in a way that creates a narrative bias against them?
- How is SV described as omniscient and omnipotent?
- Conradin has an epiphany of reality. How is he shown to be close to giving into the ‘pressure of wearisome necessary things?’
- How is Conradin’s excitement at the confirmation of his power and uniqueness shown?
- How is binary opposition shown between his reactions and those of the other household members?
- What is particularly significant about the last line: ‘Conradin made himself another piece of toast’?
- What is Saki exploring through this story?
Whose POV is narrated and how does that affect the reader?- Describe Conraddin and find 6-10 quotes that you would use from S, M E of the story. Explain their effect on the reader.
- The story is an exercise in brevity (c. 1830 words) – explain how that has impact on the reader.
- What do the windows, shed, hen and the ferret symbolise?
- What is the significance of the Hen as an Anabaptist and SV as a ‘god’?
- This story has been described as macabre, chilling, unreal and satirical – chose 2-3 quotes that would support each of these descriptions and explain which one you would choose and why.
- In the context above Saki is talked of as challenging Edwardian way of life – in what way does this story do this?
- Discuss the impact of the ending?