The Jesting of Arlington Stringham

Name: The Jesting of Arlington Stringham
Author: Saki

Arlington Stringham, a member of the House of Commons, attempts to inject humor into his life and marriage, but his efforts are met with indifference and disdain from his wife, Eleanor. After making a thin joke about the Anglo-Saxon race, he finds that his humor is not appreciated, leading to a growing rift in their relationship. Eleanor expresses her discontent, fearing that Arlington's newfound penchant for joking signifies deeper issues in their marriage. As Arlington continues to make attempts at humor, Eleanor remains unimpressed, interpreting his silence as arrogance. Their conversations become increasingly strained, with Eleanor's mother providing cryptic commentary on their situation. Eleanor's frustration is compounded by mundane irritations, such as receiving the wrong book from the library and the unappetizing dinner menu, which includes rabbit curry. During a dinner party with friends, Arlington makes another attempt at humor, comparing a statesman to a meringue, which prompts further banter among the guests. However, Eleanor's disapproval of Arlington's jokes persists, and she begins to suspect that his humor is influenced by Lady Isobel, a woman known for her clever sayings. This realization deepens her dissatisfaction with Arlington. As the story progresses, Arlington's humor becomes a source of tension rather than connection. Eleanor's emotional state deteriorates, culminating in her tragic death from an overdose of chloral. The event sparks speculation about the state of their marriage, with hints of domestic sorrow suggested by their friend Clovis. Ultimately, Arlington remains oblivious to the full impact of his jesting, highlighting the tragedy of his inability to connect with his wife and the consequences of their emotional distance.

By Saki · First published 1912 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Tragedy · 1,519 words

First lines

Arlington Stringham made a joke in the House of Commons. It was a thin House, and a very thin joke; something about the Anglo-Saxon race having a great many angles. It is possible that it was unintentional, but a fellow-member, who did not wish it to be supposed that he was asleep because his eyes were shut, laughed. One or two of the papers noted "a laugh" in brackets, and another, which was notorious for the carelessness of its political news, mentioned "laughter. " Things often begin in that way.

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The Jesting of Arlington Stringham is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1912 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Saki
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Tragedy, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
Length: 1,519 words
Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The story critiques social norms and human behavior through humor and irony.
Comedy — The narrative employs comedic elements, particularly in dialogue and character interactions.
Tragedy — The underlying themes of misunderstanding and personal tragedy highlight the darker aspects of human relationships.
Social Commentary — The work reflects on societal expectations and the absurdities of social interactions.