Cousin Teresa by Saki (1910)

Name: Cousin Teresa
Author: Saki

Basset Harrowcluff returns home after four years of service in a remote province, feeling accomplished and anticipating recognition. He finds his half-brother, Lucas, engrossed in his latest idea for a music-hall revue featuring a character named Cousin Teresa and her four wooden dogs. Basset is dismissive of Lucas's enthusiasm, having witnessed his brother's previous failed ventures. Despite initial skepticism, Lucas's concept unexpectedly becomes a massive success when introduced in a revue. The catchy refrain and the spectacle of Cousin Teresa and her dogs captivate audiences, leading to widespread acclaim. The popularity of the act transforms Lucas from a figure of ridicule to one of public fascination, as the refrain permeates daily life in the city. As the phenomenon grows, it attracts attention from various societal circles, with discussions about its significance replacing more serious topics. Lucas is invited to lecture on his creation, and the public's obsession with Cousin Teresa leads to calls for his recognition, including a potential knighthood. The minister considers honoring Lucas, solidifying his unexpected rise to fame and fulfilling Colonel Harrowcluff's hopes for his son's recognition. The narrative explores themes of ambition, societal values, and the absurdity of fame, highlighting how trivial ideas can capture the public's imagination and lead to unexpected success. The story critiques the superficial nature of popularity and the fickle attention of society, ultimately reflecting on the nature of achievement and recognition in a rapidly changing world.

By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary · 1,792 words

First lines

Basset Harrowcluff returned to the home of his fathers, after an absence of four years, distinctly well pleased with himself. He was only thirty-one, but he had put in some useful service in an out-of-the-way, though not unimportant, corner of the world. He had quieted a province, kept open a trade route, enforced the tradition of respect which is worth the ransom of many kings in out-of-the-way regions, and done the whole business on rather less expenditure than would be requisite for organising a charity in the home country. In Whitehall and places where they think, they doubtless thought well of him. It was not inconceivable, his father allowed himself to imagine, that Basset's name might figure in the next list of Honours.

What this Textopian page supports

Cousin Teresa is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary, Fiction, Drama
Length: 1,792 words
Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The story critiques societal norms and the absurdity of popularity in entertainment.
Comedy — The humorous portrayal of characters and their ridiculous pursuits provides comedic elements throughout the narrative.
Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on public taste and the fleeting nature of fame, highlighting societal values.
Fiction — The work is a fictional narrative centered around the characters and their interactions.