A Housing Problem by Saki (1912)
The narrative revolves around Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh, who is distressed over the potential departure of a marchioness from her house party due to an insult from Bobbie Chermbacon, a wealthy young man. The marchioness, despite being dull and poorly dressed, holds social significance, and her displeasure threatens Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh's social standing. Mrs. Pallitson, a guest, suggests that Bobbie should be sent away to appease the marchioness, but Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh is reluctant to lose Bobbie, as he shows interest in her daughter, Margaret. Bobbie has expressed admiration for Margaret, calling her a "dreaming Madonna" and giving her orchids, indicating a budding romance. The conversation reveals Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh's desperation to maintain both her social connections and her daughter's potential match. As the situation escalates, Mrs. Pallitson faces her own dilemma when her husband’s uncle, a bishop, refuses to host Bobbie after he makes offensive remarks about Christian missions. The two women engage in a frantic telephone exchange, each trying to prioritize their social needs. Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh ultimately refuses to send Bobbie away, valuing the marchioness's presence less than the potential marriage of her daughter. However, the bishop's insistence leads to Bobbie's departure, and the marchioness also leaves, both traveling to London together. In the end, Bobbie's interest in Margaret fades, and he marries the marchioness, leaving Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh's hopes for a son-in-law unfulfilled. The story highlights themes of social status, the complexities of relationships, and the often absurd nature of societal expectations.
By Saki · First published 1912 · Genre: Comedy, Social Commentary, Drama · 1,978 words
First lines
"I'm in a frightful position," exclaimed Mrs. Duff-Chugleigh, sinking into an armchair and closing her eyes as though to shut out some distressing vision.
"Really? What has happend? " said Mrs. Pallitson, preparing herself to hear some kitchen tragedy.
What this Textopian page supports
A Housing Problem is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Saki
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Social Commentary, Drama, Short Story, Satire
- Length: 1,978 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Housing Problem by Saki
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Housing Problem?
- How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Comedy — The work employs humor and satire to explore social situations and character interactions.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social norms and class distinctions within the context of a house party.
- Drama — The plot revolves around interpersonal conflicts and emotional tensions among the characters.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story within a limited word count.
Tags
satire · humor · society · class · housing · irony · absurdity · conflict · relationships · urban life · social commentary · character study