The Dreamer by Saki (1910)
The narrative follows Adela Chemping and her nephew Cyprian during a shopping expedition at a department store known for its sales. Adela, who prides herself on her sophistication, seeks to purchase various items while attempting to maintain a sense of superiority over the bargain hunters. She brings Cyprian along, hoping he will assist her without complaint. Cyprian, characterized by his dreamy demeanor and unique perspective on life, is uninterested in the mundane aspects of shopping. He prefers to observe rather than engage in the act of purchasing, which Adela finds perplexing. Their interactions reveal a generational divide, with Adela focused on practicality and social norms, while Cyprian embodies a more whimsical, detached approach. As they navigate the store, Adela's shopping list expands, leading her to buy items she deems necessary for others, such as vases and writing paper. Cyprian's refusal to wear a hat, which he finds cumbersome, raises Adela's concerns about his social standing. Despite her worries, he remains unfazed by the expectations of society. The story takes a turn when Cyprian inadvertently becomes involved in a transaction, mistaken for a shop assistant due to his bareheadedness. He assists a customer in purchasing a handbag, demonstrating an unexpected aptitude for sales. This incident highlights his detachment from conventional roles and expectations, as he engages with the customer without embarrassment. Adela's experiences in the store are marked by her increasing frustration with the chaos of shopping, contrasting sharply with Cyprian's calm and observant nature. As she continues to search for items, Cyprian's dreamlike state deepens, suggesting a disconnect from the material world around him. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations, the nature of reality versus perception, and the generational gap in attitudes toward consumerism. Adela's practical concerns clash with Cyprian's imaginative outlook, ultimately leading to a reflection on the value of dreams and the mundane aspects of life. The story concludes with Cyprian's continued engagement with the world in his own unique way, leaving Adela to grapple with her own perceptions of reality and the significance of their shopping trip.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Coming-of-Age · 1,738 words
First lines
It was the season of sales. The august establishment of Walpurgis and Nettlepink had lowered its prices for an entire week as a concession to trade observances, much as an Archduchess might protestingly contract an attack of influenza for the unsatisfactory reason that influenza was locally prevalent. Adela Chemping, who considered herself in some measure superior to the allurements of an ordinary bargain sale, made a point of attending the reduction week at Walpurgis and Nettlepink's.
"I'm not a bargain hunter," she said, "but I like to go where bargains are."
What this Textopian page supports
The Dreamer 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: Literary Fiction, Satire, Coming-of-Age, Humor, Social Commentary
- Length: 1,738 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dreamer 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 The Dreamer?
- How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Cupboard Of The Yesterdays by Saki
- The Terror Of A Toy by G. K. Chesterton
- The Gardener And The Guinea by G. K. Chesterton
- The Song Of The Flying Fish by G. K. Chesterton
- The Soft Place by Frank R. Stockton
- My Room by George Macdonald
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development and explores themes of perception and reality through the protagonist's dreamy nature.
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and consumerism, particularly through the character of Mrs. Chemping and her shopping habits.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Cyprian, embodies the traits of a young dreamer navigating the complexities of adolescence and societal expectations.
- Humor — The absurdities of the shopping experience and the interactions between characters provide a humorous undertone.
Tags
imagination · dreams · fantasy · reality · childhood · innocence · adventure · nature · whimsy · escape · narrative · surrealism