Dogged by Saki (1910)
Artemus Gibbon, a timid and respectable bachelor, finds his life irrevocably altered after being coerced into purchasing a mischievous fox terrier named Beelzebub at a church bazaar. Despite his initial reluctance, Gibbon succumbs to the dog’s chaotic influence, leading to a series of unfortunate events that unravel his previously orderly existence. Initially, Gibbon attempts to maintain his dignity and decorum, but Beelzebub's antics quickly disrupt his life. The dog’s presence complicates his living arrangements, as potential landladies reject him upon seeing the unruly terrier. Gibbon's attempts to hide Beelzebub from his landlady only lead to further embarrassment when the dog wreaks havoc in her home. As Gibbon's social circle shifts, he finds himself drawn into a world of debauchery and reckless behavior, abandoning his sober habits for nights spent in cafés with new, unsavory acquaintances. The once-respectable bachelor becomes increasingly entangled in a lifestyle characterized by late nights, alcohol, and the chaotic influence of his canine companion. The turning point occurs when Beelzebub causes a scene in a café, stealing a lady's extravagant boa. This incident leads Gibbon to meet the lady, who, despite the chaos, becomes intrigued by him. Their interaction marks a shift in Gibbon's fortunes, as he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her charm and beauty. Despite the initial embarrassment, Gibbon's relationship with the lady blossoms, culminating in a tea invitation at his apartment. However, the arrival of an old acquaintance, Hilary Helforlether, exposes Gibbon's transformation and the extent of his decline. Gibbon's once-respectable life is now overshadowed by the chaotic influence of Beelzebub, leaving him to reflect on the consequences of his choices. Ultimately, Gibbon's journey illustrates the struggle between personal integrity and the overpowering influence of external forces, embodied by the dog. The narrative serves as a commentary on the fragility of respectability and the ease with which one can be led astray by temptation and circumstance.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Fiction · 2,470 words
First lines
Artemus Gibbon was, by nature and inclination, blameless and respectable, and under happier circumstances the record of his life might have preserved the albino tint of its early promise; but he was of timid and yielding disposition, and had been carefully brought up, so that his case was clearly hopeless from the first. It only remained for the strong and unscrupulous character to come alongside, and the result was a foregone conclusion. And one afternoon it came. It is a well-tried axiom that, in human affairs, as in steeplechasing, the ugliest croppers occur at the "safest" and most carefully pruned places, and of all conceivable occasions for a young man to go irretrievably wrong, a church bazaar would seem to offer the least appropriate opportunity. Yet it was at such a function, opened by a bishop's lady, and patronised by the most hopelessly correct people in the neighbourhood, that Artemus Gibbon went unsuspectingly to his undoing.
What this Textopian page supports
Dogged 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: Comedy, Satire, Fiction, Character Study, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,470 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dogged 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 Dogged?
- 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
- The Peace Offering by Saki
- The Romancers by Saki
- The Brogue by Saki
- The Hen by Saki
- The Way To The Dairy by Saki
- Cousin Teresa by Saki
Genres
- Comedy — The story employs humor through the absurdity of Gibbon's situation and the antics of the dog, Beelzebub.
- Satire — The narrative critiques social norms and the character's descent into a less respectable lifestyle, highlighting the folly of societal expectations.
- Fiction — The work is a fictional narrative centered around character development and personal conflict.
- Character Study — The focus is on the protagonist, Artemus Gibbon, and his transformation due to external influences.
Tags
humor · satire · short story · British literature · animal · dogs · social commentary · irony · character study · quirky · narrative style · dialogue