The Elk by Hector Hugh Munro (1908)

Name: The Elk
Author: Hector Hugh Munro

The story revolves around a young man who returns to his home village after serving in the military during World War I. He is disillusioned with the war and its effects on society. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, social change, and the struggle between traditional values and modernity. The protagonist's experiences in the war have left him emotionally scarred, and he finds it difficult to adjust to civilian life. His relationships with others are strained, and he struggles to find his place in a world that seems to be rapidly changing. Throughout the story, the author critiques societal norms and conventions, highlighting the hypocrisy and superficiality of middle-class life. The narrative is characterized by its dark humor, satire, and irony, which serve to underscore the protagonist's disillusionment with the world around him. Ultimately, the story presents a bleak portrayal of post-war society, suggesting that the trauma and disillusionment experienced during the war will have lasting effects on individuals and society as a whole.

By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1908 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary · 2,172 words

First lines

Teresa, Mrs. Thropplestance, was the richest and most intractable old woman in the county of Woldshire. In her dealings with the world in general her manner suggested a blend between a Mistress of the Robes and a Master of Foxhounds, with the vocabulary of both. In her domestic circle she comported herself in the arbitrary style that one attributes, probably without the least justification, to an American political Boss in the bosom of his caucus. The late Theodore Thropplestance had left her, some thirty-five years ago, in absolute possession of a considerable fortune, a large landed property, and a gallery full of valuable pictures. In those intervening years she had outlived her son and quarrelled with her elder grandson, who had married without her consent or approval. Bertie Thropplestance, her younger grandson, was the heir-designate to her property, and as such he was a centre of interest and concern to some half-hundred ambitious mothers with daughters of marriageable age.

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The Elk is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, dated 1908 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Hector Hugh Munro
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary, Drama, Romance
Length: 2,172 words
Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The story uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and the behavior of the upper class.
Comedy — The narrative is filled with humorous situations and witty dialogue, particularly in the interactions between characters.
Social Commentary — The plot highlights and critiques the social dynamics and expectations of marriage and inheritance in Edwardian society.
Drama — The story involves dramatic elements such as family conflict, societal pressure, and the unexpected consequences of the elk's actions.