A Touch of Realism by Saki (1917)

Name: A Touch of Realism
Author: Saki

A Christmas gathering at Lady Blonze's home sets the stage for a unique party game where guests must adopt characters and act them out consistently. The idea, proposed by Blanche Boveal, is met with mixed reactions, particularly from her husband, Sir Nicholas, who expresses concern about the unpredictable nature of their guests. The dinner is subdued as everyone struggles to maintain their roles, leading to a tense atmosphere. As the evening progresses, guests begin to retire early, with some engaging in their character portrayals more seriously than others. Waldo Plubley, a delicate young man, is particularly affected by the chaos, as he values his sleep and routine. His night is disrupted by Bertie van Tahn, who, in search of his "lost sheep" for his character, creates a ruckus in Waldo's room, leaving him frustrated and sleepless. The next morning, several guests are absent, including the Klammersteins, who were last seen on Slogberry Moor after being abandoned by Cyril Skatterly and Vera Durmot as part of their character play. The group is alarmed by their absence, especially as the weather worsens. The situation escalates when it is revealed that Skatterly and Vera's actions were a representation of Ferdinand and Isabella deporting the Jews, showcasing their commitment to the game. The party becomes a topic of conversation beyond the immediate gathering, with the events leading to unexpected notoriety. The consequences of the game and the characters adopted by the guests highlight the absurdity and unpredictability of human behavior, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on all involved.

By Saki · First published 1917 · Genre: Social Satire, Comedy, Literary Fiction · 2,387 words

First lines

"I hope you've come full of suggestions for Christmas," said Lady Blonze to her latest arrived guest; "the old-fashioned Christmas and the up-to-date Christmas are both so played out. I want to have something really original this year."

"I was staying with the Mathesons last month," said Blanche Boveal eagerly, "and we had such a good idea. Everyone in the house-party had to be a character and behave consistently all the time, and at the end of the visit one had to guess what everyone's character was. The one who was voted to have acted his or her character best got a prize."

What this Textopian page supports

A Touch of Realism is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Social Satire, Comedy, Literary Fiction, Drama, Character Study
Length: 2,387 words
Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A Touch of Realism?
How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Social Satire first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Social Satire — The story critiques social norms and behaviors through the lens of a Christmas gathering, highlighting the absurdities of the characters' interactions.
Comedy — The humorous situations and character impersonations create a comedic atmosphere, showcasing Saki's wit.
Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex character dynamics and social commentary, typical of literary fiction.
Drama — The tension and conflicts among characters during the Christmas party reflect dramatic elements.