Reginald on Tariffs by Saki (1912)

Name: Reginald on Tariffs
Author: Saki

The narrative features a character named Reginald, who expresses his disdain for the concept of free imports and tariffs through a series of humorous and satirical observations. He critiques societal norms and behaviors, particularly focusing on the absurdities of social interactions and the expectations placed on individuals, especially women. Reginald recounts an incident involving Mrs. Nicorax, who attempts to jump a brook while riding, resulting in her falling into the water. This incident serves as a vehicle for Reginald to explore themes of propriety, gender roles, and the ridiculousness of social expectations. He reflects on the chaos that ensues, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and the reactions of those around them. Throughout the piece, Reginald's commentary on tariffs serves as a metaphor for broader societal issues, including the complexities of relationships and the often arbitrary nature of social conventions. He juxtaposes serious topics with lighthearted anecdotes, creating a satirical tone that critiques both the fiscal policies and the social dynamics of his time. Reginald's interactions with other characters, such as Mrs. Van Challaby, further illustrate his views on the absurdities of life and the expectations placed on individuals. He muses on the nature of men as "raw commodities" and the transformations they undergo through marriage, using humor to convey deeper insights into human relationships. The narrative culminates in Reginald's desire for a more sensible approach to life, advocating for a protective measure against those who take life too seriously. His reflections blend wit and social commentary, ultimately revealing the complexities of human behavior and the often ridiculous nature of societal norms.

By Saki · First published 1912 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Social Commentary · 1,114 words

First lines

I'm not going to discuss the Fiscal Question (said Reginald); I wish to be original. At the same time, I think one suffers more than one realises from the system of free imports. I should like, for instance, a really prohibitive duty put upon the partner who declares on a weak red suit and hopes for the best. Even a free outlet for compressed verbiage doesn't balance matters. And I think there should be a sort of bounty-fed export (is that the right expression? ) of the people who impress on you that you ought to take life seriously. There are only two classes that really can't help taking life seriously -- schoolgirls of thirteen and Hohenzollerns; they might be exempt. Albanians come under another heading; they take life whenever they get the opportunity. The one Albanian that I was ever on speaking terms with was rather a decadent example. He was a Christian and a grocer, and I don't fancy he had ever killed anybody. I didn't like to question him on the subject -- that showed my delicacy. Mrs. Nicorax says I have no delicacy; she hasn't forgiven me about the mice. You see, when I was staying down there, a mouse used to cakewalk about my room half the night, and none of their silly patent traps seemed to take its fancy as a bijou residence, so I determined to appeal to the better side of it -- which with mice is the inside. So I called it Percy, and put little delicacies down near its hole every night, and that kept it quiet while I read Max Nordau's Degeneration and other reproving literature, and went to sleep. And now she says there is a whole colony of mice in that room.

What this Textopian page supports

Reginald on Tariffs is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Humor, Social Commentary, Fiction, Political Fiction
Length: 1,114 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The book employs humor and irony to critique social norms and political issues, particularly tariffs.
Humor — The writing style is characterized by wit and comedic situations, making it primarily humorous.
Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on societal behaviors and attitudes, particularly regarding class and gender.
Fiction — The work is a fictional narrative that explores characters and their interactions.