The Image of the Lost Soul by Saki

Name: The Image of the Lost Soul
Author: Saki

The narrative unfolds around a Cathedral adorned with various stone figures, predominantly representing angels and saints, except for one figure that embodies a lost soul, characterized by a bitter and downcast expression. This figure becomes a refuge for a small, sweet-voiced bird that, seeking shelter from the harshness of autumn, is shunned by other birds. The lost soul's arms, folded in defiance, provide a snug resting place for the bird, which grows fond of its protector. As the bird sings its heartfelt melodies, the lost soul's expression begins to soften, suggesting a transformation influenced by the bird's presence. The bird's nightly return brings joy to the figure, contrasting with the Cathedral's bell that ominously tolls, "After joy. sorrow." The verger's lodge occupants notice the bird's beautiful singing but lament its location, leading them to capture it and confine it in a wicker cage. The lost soul experiences profound loneliness in the bird's absence, yearning for its song. When the bird's cries of hunger and longing reach the figure, it leans further out from its perch, embodying the weight of despair. One day, the song ceases, and the harsh winter cold claims the bird's life. The figure, now devoid of its companion, ultimately topples from its position, landing in a broken heap on the ground below. The pigeons, observing the fallen figure, express relief, anticipating the installation of a more favorable angelic figure in its place. The narrative concludes with the Cathedral's bell tolling once more, reinforcing the cycle of joy followed by sorrow, encapsulating the themes of loss, longing, and the transient nature of happiness.

By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Fantasy, Allegory, Literary Fiction · 993 words

First lines

There were a number of carved stone figures placed at intervals along the parapets of the old Cathedral; some of them represented angels, others kings and bishops, and nearly all were in attitudes of pious exaltation and composure. But one figure, low down on the cold north side of the building, had neither crown, mitre, not nimbus, and its face was hard and bitter and downcast; it must be a demon, declared the fat blue pigeons that roosted and sunned themselves all day on the ledges of the parapet; but the old belfry jackdaw, who was an authority on ecclesiastical architecture, said it was a lost soul. And there the matter rested.

What this Textopian page supports

The Image of the Lost Soul 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: Fantasy, Allegory, Literary Fiction, Fable, Gothic
Length: 993 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphized animals and a magical element with the figure of the Lost Soul, creating a fantastical setting.
Allegory — The narrative serves as an allegory for themes of loneliness, longing, and the contrast between joy and sorrow.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in symbolism, focusing on character emotions and philosophical themes.
Fable — The story conveys moral lessons through the interactions of animals and the personification of the Lost Soul.