The Almanac by Saki (1913)
The narrative revolves around a conversation between two characters, Vera Durmot and Clovis, who discuss the potential profitability of creating a local almanac filled with predictions. Vera proposes that she could compile an almanac that would attract buyers out of curiosity, suggesting that she could make safe forecasts based on local customs and events. Clovis, while skeptical, offers suggestions that would enhance the almanac's appeal. Vera's almanac is published and becomes a commercial success, with many predictions coming true, such as financial troubles for local families and unexpected outcomes in personal lives. The townspeople attribute the accuracy of the predictions to Vera's supposed prophetic abilities, leading to increased sales and interest in the almanac. However, Vera faces challenges when one of her predictions regarding a local huntress, Jocelyn Vanner, does not materialize as expected. Jocelyn, influenced by Vera's forecast of danger in the hunting field, becomes overly cautious, which undermines the credibility of the almanac. Clovis, in a separate encounter with Jocelyn, fabricates a story about being involved in a dangerous political situation in Eastern Europe, further complicating the narrative. As the story unfolds, Clovis's fabricated tale leads to a moment of tension during a hunting event, where he warns Jocelyn of a potential threat. The climax occurs when hounds are unleashed, and Jocelyn, fearing for her safety, escapes into the underbrush, leaving Clovis to confront the consequences of his deception. The almanac's success is ultimately tied to the blend of local gossip, human behavior, and the unpredictable nature of life, illustrating themes of fortune, reputation, and the interplay between reality and perception. The story concludes with the almanac's continued popularity, despite the underlying uncertainties and the characters' personal dilemmas.
By Saki · First published 1913 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Fiction · 2,247 words
First lines
"Has it ever struck you," said Vera Durmot to Clovis, "that one might make a comfortable income by compiling a local almanac, on prophetic lines, like those that the general public buy by the half million?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Almanac is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Fiction, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 2,247 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Almanac by Saki
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Almanac?
- How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Satire first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and human behavior through humor and irony.
- Comedy — The dialogue and situations are humorous, showcasing wit and playful banter.
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account centered around characters and their interactions.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on social dynamics and the absurdities of local life.
Tags
satire · humor · short stories · British literature · social commentary · irony · wit · character study · absurdity · Victorian era · narrative style · dark humor