The Guests by Saki (1910)

Name: The Guests
Author: Saki

In a tranquil rural setting, two women, Annabel and Matilda, engage in a conversation about the monotony of their lives. Annabel expresses her dissatisfaction with the lack of excitement in their surroundings, while Matilda finds comfort in the stillness, recalling her experiences in more tumultuous places. She recounts a particularly challenging visit from a distant cousin, a Bishop, who arrived unexpectedly during a flood. Matilda's husband is away, leaving her to entertain the Bishop, who brings up a long-standing family feud over a Crown Derby dessert service. Tensions rise as Matilda struggles to maintain decorum while dealing with the chaos of the flood, which has turned her home into a refuge for goats, chickens, and even a leopard that has taken residence in the Bishop's bedroom. The situation escalates as the Bishop and Matilda navigate the absurdity of their circumstances, with the Bishop's discomfort growing as he finds himself in close quarters with a leopard. Matilda's attempts to manage the chaos are met with the Bishop's increasing discontent, leading to a series of awkward interactions. Ultimately, the flood recedes, but the Bishop's desire to leave is complicated by the presence of the leopard. Matilda reflects on the relief of returning to a life of tranquility, appreciating the peace of a sleepy countryside where such extraordinary events do not occur. The narrative highlights themes of social obligation, the absurdity of life, and the contrast between chaos and calm.

By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Humor, Satire, Fiction · 1,752 words

First lines

"The landscape seen from our windows is certainly charming," said Annabel; "those cherry orchards and green meadows, and the river winding along the valley, and the church tower peeping out among the elms, they all make a most effective picture. There's something dreadfully sleepy and languorous about it, though; stagnation seems to be the dominant note. Nothing ever happens here; seedtime and harvest, an occasional outbreak of measles or a mildly destructive thunderstorm, and a little election excitement about once in five years, that is all that we have to modify the monotony of our existence. Rather dreadful, isn't it?"

What this Textopian page supports

The Guests 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: Humor, Satire, Fiction, Short Story, Social Commentary
Length: 1,752 words
Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Guests?
How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Humor first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Humor — The story employs wit and irony, showcasing absurd situations and character interactions that evoke laughter.
Satire — It critiques social norms and the absurdities of human behavior, particularly in the context of hospitality and social status.
Fiction — The narrative is a work of fiction, presenting a fictional scenario with developed characters and a plot.
Short Story — The work is concise and structured as a short story, focusing on a single incident.