Laura by Saki (1910)
The narrative follows Laura, who is facing her impending death with a mix of humor and introspection. She engages in a conversation with her friend Amanda, discussing her supposed reincarnation as an otter due to her perceived moral failings in her current life. Laura reflects on her past actions, including petty revenge against her husband Egbert, who is overly concerned with his poultry and garden. As Laura's death approaches, her lighthearted attitude contrasts sharply with Amanda's serious demeanor. Laura's death occurs on a Monday, leading to a series of events that highlight the absurdity of life and death. Egbert discovers that several of his prized speckled Sussex chickens have been killed, and the evidence points to an otter as the culprit. This revelation leads to discussions about hunting the otter, which Amanda opposes due to the recent funeral. The otter continues to wreak havoc, even entering the house and causing further chaos. Amanda's concern for the otter grows, especially after it is killed during a hunt, which leaves her in a state of distress. The story culminates in Amanda's own health decline, paralleling the chaos that ensued after Laura's death and the otter's rampage. The work explores themes of mortality, the absurdity of human concerns, and the interconnectedness of life and death, all while maintaining a satirical tone. The characters' reactions to Laura's death and the subsequent events reveal their varying perspectives on life, loss, and the nature of existence.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Dark Comedy, Satire, Philosophical Fiction · 2,079 words
First lines
"You are not really dying, are you? " asked Amanda.
"I have the doctor's permission to live till Tuesday," said Laura.
What this Textopian page supports
Laura 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: Dark Comedy, Satire, Philosophical Fiction, Tragicomedy, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,079 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Laura 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 Laura?
- How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Dark Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Dark Comedy — The story employs humor to address serious themes such as death and reincarnation, blending comedic elements with a morbid subject.
- Satire — The narrative critiques societal norms and human behavior through the absurdity of Laura's situation and the reactions of those around her.
- Philosophical Fiction — The exploration of reincarnation and the nature of existence prompts philosophical reflection on life and morality.
- Tragicomedy — The juxtaposition of tragic elements, such as Laura's impending death, with comedic dialogue and situations creates a tragicomic effect.
Tags
satire · dark humor · social commentary · Victorian society · irony · character study · relationships · deception · class distinction · feminism · absurdity · narrative style