On Approval by Saki (1926)
The narrative follows Gebhard Knopfschrank, a reclusive artist from Pomerania, who frequents a Bohemian restaurant in Soho, London. He is perceived as an enigmatic figure, neither fully embraced nor dismissed by the artistic community. His background as a peasant farmer raises questions about his artistic aspirations, leading to speculation about whether he is a true genius or merely a deluded amateur. Knopfschrank's artwork features desolate London scenes populated by exotic animals, a theme that intrigues yet perplexes the restaurant's patrons. Despite his efforts to sell his sketches for ten shillings each, he struggles to find buyers, leading to financial difficulties that force him to reduce his meals and appearances at the restaurant. As time passes, his situation worsens, and he becomes increasingly nostalgic about his rural roots. A turning point occurs when he returns to the restaurant in high spirits, suggesting he has sold a significant piece to an American. His patrons, eager to capitalize on his newfound success, purchase several of his sketches before he reveals the truth: the American was involved in an accident with his family's pigs, compensating them handsomely for the damages. Ultimately, Knopfschrank decides to return home, abandoning his artistic ambitions in London. He expresses gratitude for the financial support from his family, indicating a return to his previous life. The story concludes with the realization that while he may be momentarily celebrated, he will soon be forgotten, much like another artist who faced similar rejection. The narrative explores themes of artistic validation, the fickleness of fame, and the tension between aspiration and reality.
By Saki · First published 1926 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Drama · 2,316 words
First lines
Of all the genuine Bohemians who strayed from time to time into the would-be Bohemian circle of the Restaurant Nuremberg, Owl Street, Soho, none was more interesting and more elusive than Gebhard Knopfschrank. He had no friends, and though he treated all the restaurant frequenters as acquaintances he never seemed to wish to carry the acquaintanceship beyond the door that led into Owl Street and the outer world. He dealt with them all rather as a market woman might deal with chance passersby, exhibiting her wares and chattering about the weather and the slackness of business, occasionally about rheumatism, but never showing a desire to penetrate into their daily lives or to dissect their ambitions.
What this Textopian page supports
On Approval is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Satire, Drama, Comedy, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,316 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On Approval by Saki
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering On Approval?
- How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of artistic ambition, societal perception, and the struggles of an artist, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Satire — The story critiques the pretentiousness of the Bohemian art scene and the superficial judgments of its characters, embodying satirical elements.
- Drama — The plot revolves around the personal struggles and interactions of characters in a social setting, typical of dramatic literature.
- Comedy — The humorous portrayal of the artist's plight and the absurdity of the characters' discussions adds a comedic layer to the narrative.
Tags
satire · humor · society · class · romance · irony · relationships · social commentary · Victorian · absurdity · dialogue · character study