Esmé by Saki (1922)

Name: Esmé
Author: Saki

The narrative unfolds through a conversation between two characters, Clovis and a baroness, who recounts a peculiar hunting experience from her past. The baroness describes her life with her husband, emphasizing their financial struggles that keep them together despite their differences. During a hunting expedition, she and her companion, Constance, find themselves lost and encounter a hyaena instead of a fox. The hyaena, surprisingly friendly, follows them as they attempt to navigate back to civilization. As they ride, they come across a gipsy child picking blackberries, which soon leads to a horrifying turn of events when the hyaena captures the child. The baroness reacts with a mix of disbelief and futile attempts to intervene, while Constance is consumed by panic. The tension escalates as they continue down the road, and the hyaena eventually disappears into the bushes, leaving behind a chilling silence. The story takes a dark twist when the baroness and Constance reach a road where a car strikes the hyaena, killing it. The baroness expresses her sorrow over the loss, referring to the hyaena affectionately as "Esmé." The motorist, feeling guilty, offers to help, and they arrange for a burial. The baroness cleverly navigates the situation, ensuring that the incident remains undisclosed to avoid repercussions for the hyaena's escape. In the aftermath, the baroness receives a diamond brooch in the mail, inscribed with the name "Esmé," which she sells for profit. This act leads to the dissolution of her friendship with Constance, as the baroness refuses to share the proceeds, claiming ownership of the name and the story. The tale concludes with a reflection on the consequences of their adventure, highlighting themes of morality, friendship, and the absurdity of their circumstances.

By Saki · First published 1922 · Genre: Short Story, Humor, Satire · 2,100 words

First lines

"All hunting stories are the same," said Clovis; "just as all Turf stories are the same, and all -- "

"My hunting story isn't a bit like any you've ever heard," said the baroness. "It happened quite a while ago, when I was about twenty-three. I wasn't living apart from my husband then; you see, neither of us could afford to make the other a separate allowance. In spite of everything that proverbs may say, poverty keeps together more homes than it breaks up. But we always hunted with different packs. All this has nothing to do with the story."

What this Textopian page supports

Esmé is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
Language: English
Genres: Short Story, Humor, Satire, Adventure, Fantasy
Length: 2,100 words
Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Esmé by Saki
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Esmé?
How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Short Story first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a single incident, characteristic of the short story format.
Humor — The story employs wit and irony, particularly in the interactions between characters and the absurdity of the situation.
Satire — It critiques social norms and human behavior, particularly regarding class and relationships.
Adventure — The plot involves an unexpected journey and encounters with a wild animal, creating a sense of adventure.