The Infernal Parliament by Saki

Name: The Infernal Parliament
Author: Saki

In a world where originality is scarce, Bavton Bidderdale becomes notable for dying from a new disease, prompting mixed reactions from his family and the medical community. While his aunts celebrate his uniqueness, doctors debate his actual death, delaying his funeral. Meanwhile, Bidderdale finds himself in Hell, where he is treated as a guest until his status is confirmed. The authorities in Hell, keen to maintain a semblance of modernity, introduce a Parliament, reflecting earthly trends. Bidderdale is introduced to the Infernal Parliament by a Fiend, who explains its recent establishment. The Parliament, characterized by chaos under parliamentary rules, is designed to address grievances about the misuse of the term "fiendish" in human contexts. The Member for Nether Furnace proposes a motion to protest against this misuse, arguing that human vices are wrongly attributed to fiends. The debate draws a large audience, but the Fiend explains that members are not required to attend, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. As the orator speaks, Bidderdale observes the peculiarities of Hell's political system. The Fiend explains that all motions in the Infernal Parliament are lost, contrasting with earthly Parliaments where issues are often resolved. The lack of a party system in Hell is attributed to the absence of rewards, making the concept of government by delusion impractical. The Fiend's commentary on earthly politics reveals a satirical critique of human governance. Bidderdale's curiosity leads him to inquire about special Hells for specific types of people. The Fiend shows him a preparation area for a playwright, where imps compile press cuttings of modern British plays. This grim fate is underscored by the absence of the letter "S," indicating that the playwright will be deprived of any positive reviews. This revelation solidifies Bidderdale's understanding of his surroundings and the true nature of Hell. The narrative explores themes of bureaucracy, the absurdity of political systems, and the critique of human morality through the lens of Hell's governance. The juxtaposition of earthly and infernal politics serves as a commentary on the failings of human society, highlighting the irony of seeking recognition and validation in a realm designed for punishment. The work ultimately presents a darkly humorous reflection on the nature of existence, the human condition, and the consequences of societal norms.

By Saki · First published 1916 · Genre: Satire, Fantasy, Political Fiction · 1,493 words

First lines

In an age when it has become increasingly difficult to accomplish anything new or original, Bavton Bidderdale interested his generation by dying of a new disease. "We always knew he would do something remarkable one of these days," observed his aunts; "he has justified our belief in him. " But there is a section of humanity ever ready to refuse recognition to meritorious achievement, and a large and influential school of doctors asserted their belief that Bidderdale was not really dead. The funeral arrangements had to be held over until the matter was settled one way or the other, and the aunts went provisionally into half-mourning.

What this Textopian page supports

The Infernal Parliament is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Fantasy, Political Fiction, Dark Comedy, Allegory
Length: 1,493 words
Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Satire — The work critiques societal norms and political systems through humor and irony, particularly focusing on the absurdities of parliamentary procedures.
Fantasy — The setting in Hell and the existence of a Parliament there create a fantastical environment that explores themes beyond the real world.
Political Fiction — The narrative engages with political themes, particularly the critique of governance and the nature of political discourse.
Dark Comedy — The humor is derived from morbid and unsettling themes, such as death and the afterlife, presented in a light-hearted manner.