Hermann the Irascible by Saki (1911)

Name: Hermann the Irascible
Author: Saki

In the early 20th century, following a devastating plague that wiped out the British royal lineage, Hermann, a distant heir, unexpectedly ascends to the throne. Known for his progressive ideas, he quickly enacts sweeping reforms, including a controversial bill mandating that all women between the ages of twenty-one and seventy must vote in various elections, with penalties for noncompliance. Initially, the bill is met with indifference and hostility from many women, who had not been enthusiastic about the suffrage movement. The implementation of compulsory voting becomes a burden, disrupting daily life and leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Women find themselves overwhelmed by the frequency of elections, which interfere with work and leisure, prompting the formation of the No-Votes-for-Women League, which gains millions of supporters. As protests escalate, including disturbances at political meetings and public displays of discontent, the government remains steadfast in its decision to uphold the voting law. In a creative act of defiance, women organize the Great Weep, a mass demonstration where thousands weep in public spaces, disrupting daily life and drawing attention to their plight. Faced with the chaos and the government's inability to manage the situation, Hermann decides to reverse the voting law. He instructs his ministers to draft a bill that would revoke women's voting rights, demonstrating his cunning approach to governance. Hermann's chuckle at the situation reveals his understanding of political maneuvering, suggesting that sometimes, unconventional methods can yield the desired outcomes. The narrative highlights themes of power, gender politics, and the complexities of societal change.

By Saki · First published 1911 · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Comedy · 1,136 words

First lines

It was in the second decade of the twentieth century, after the Great Plague had devastated England, that Hermann the Irascible, nicknamed also the Wise, sat on the British throne. The Mortal Sickness had swept away the entire Royal Family, unto the third and fourth generations, and thus it came to pass that Hermann the Fourteenth of Saxe-Drachsen-Wachtelstein, who had stood thirtieth in the order of succession, found himself one day ruler of the British dominions within and beyond the seas. He was one of the unexpected things that happen in politics, and he happened with great thoroughness. In many ways he was the most progressive monarch who had sat on an important throne; before people knew where they were, they were somewhere else. Even his ministers, progressive though they were by tradition, found it difficult to keep pace with his legislative suggestions.

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Hermann the Irascible is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1911 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Saki
Date: 1911 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Political Fiction, Comedy, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
Length: 1,136 words
Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Satire — The work critiques societal norms and political systems through humor and exaggeration.
Political Fiction — The plot revolves around political themes, particularly women's suffrage and governance.
Comedy — The writing style employs wit and absurdity to entertain while addressing serious issues.
Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on social attitudes towards women's rights and political participation.