The Elk by Saki (1910)
An affluent and domineering matriarch, Teresa Thropplestance, controls her family and estate with an iron grip, particularly concerning her grandson Bertie's marital prospects. Despite her wealth and influence, she is determined to select a suitable bride for Bertie, who is amiable but indifferent to the idea of love, willing to marry anyone approved by his grandmother. During a Christmas gathering, Mrs. Yonelet, a determined mother, hopes to pair her daughter Dora with Bertie. She orchestrates opportunities for the two to spend time together, believing that constant exposure will win Teresa's approval. However, Teresa remains skeptical and dismissive of any potential matches, including Dora, despite Mrs. Yonelet's efforts to highlight their compatibility. The situation escalates when Bertie heroically saves Dora from a dangerous elk, an event that Mrs. Yonelet believes will solidify their bond. Teresa, however, remains unfazed, recalling previous incidents where Bertie had similarly rescued other women from the elk without any lasting romantic consequences. She views the elk as a nuisance rather than a catalyst for love. As the story unfolds, the elk's temperament worsens, leading to its eventual destruction after it kills the Bickelbys' German governess. This incident ironically thwarts Teresa's plans for Bertie's future, as she had intended to control his marriage prospects until her death. Following her passing, Bertie marries Dora, who had previously broken off her engagement to an Indian civilian. In the end, Dora reflects on the elk's role in their union, attributing their connection to the creature that had once posed a threat. The narrative concludes with a sense of irony, as the very animal that had caused chaos ultimately facilitated the couple's relationship, highlighting themes of control, fate, and the unpredictability of love.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Fiction · 2,179 words
First lines
Teresa, Mrs. Thropplestance, was the richest and most intractable old woman in the county of Woldshire. In her dealings with the world in general her manner suggested a blend between a Mistress of the Robes and a Master of Foxhounds, with the vocabulary of both. In her domestic circle she comported herself in the arbitrary style that one attributes, probably without the least justification, to an American political Boss in the bosom of his caucus. The late Theodore Thropplestance had left her, some thirty-five years ago, in absolute possession of a considerable fortune, a large landed property, and a gallery full of valuable pictures. In those intervening years she had outlived her son and quarrelled with her elder grandson, who had married without her consent or approval. Bertie Thropplestance, her younger grandson, was the heir-designate to her property, and as such he was a centre of interest and concern to some half-hundred ambitious mothers with daughters of marriageable age. Bertie was an amiable, easygoing young man, who was quite ready to marry anyone who was favourably recommended to his notice, but he was not going to waste his time in falling in love with anyone who would come under his grandmother's veto. The favourable recommendation would have to come from Mrs. Thropplestance.
What this Textopian page supports
The Elk 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: Satire, Comedy, Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 2,179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Elk 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 The Elk?
- 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 social norms and the absurdities of upper-class life, particularly regarding marriage and inheritance.
- Comedy — The humorous situations and character interactions create a comedic tone throughout the narrative.
- Fiction — The work is a fictional narrative that explores relationships and societal expectations.
- Social Commentary — The text comments on societal expectations and the roles of women and men in marriage.
Tags
satire · comedy · family · inheritance · romance · social class · country life · humor · character study · tradition · marriage · wealth