The Pond by Saki (1917)
Mona, a woman with a penchant for tragedy, marries John Waddacombe, a practical farmer. Their union reveals a stark contrast in their temperaments; while Mona is steeped in morbid introspection, John is grounded in the tangible realities of farm life. Mona's expectations of understanding and emotional connection are met with John's indifference, leading her to a deep sense of isolation and despair. In her solitude, she discovers a dark, secluded pond in a beechwood, which becomes a focal point for her melancholic thoughts. The pond symbolizes her inner turmoil, and she imagines tragic stories of drowning that resonate with her own feelings of hopelessness. As she visits the pond, her fascination grows, and she contemplates the idea of ending her suffering by succumbing to its depths. However, John's unexpected illness forces Mona to confront her feelings. As she nurses him back to health, their relationship deepens, and she begins to see him in a new light. The emotional barriers between them dissolve, and she finds solace in their shared experiences. The pond, once a symbol of her despair, fades from her thoughts as she embraces the renewed connection with her husband. Later, driven by curiosity, Mona revisits the pond, only to be repulsed by its decay and the dark thoughts it once inspired. In a moment of misfortune, she slips and nearly falls into the pond, but her instinct to call for John saves her. He arrives, bewildered by her muddy appearance, and their conversation reveals the stark contrast between her previous despair and her current reality. The pond, once a site of potential tragedy, is reduced to a shallow puddle, symbolizing her transformation and the reclamation of her life through love and connection.
By Saki · First published 1917 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Tragedy · 2,049 words
First lines
Mona had always regarded herself as cast for the tragic role; her name, her large dark eyes, and the style of hairdressing that best suited her, all contributed to support that outlook on life. She wore habitually the air of one who has seen trouble, or, at any rate, expects to do so very shortly; and she was accustomed to speak of the Angel of Death almost as other people would speak of their chauffeur waiting round the corner to fetch them at the appointed moment. Fortune-tellers, noting this tendency in her disposition, invariably hinted at something in her fate which they did not care to speak about too explicitly. "You will marry the man of your choice, but afterwards you will pass through strange fires," a Bond Street two-guinea palm-oilist had told her. "Thank you," said Mona, "for your plain-speaking. But I have known it always."
Similar titles
- The Blind Spot by Saki
- The Peace Offering by Saki
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- Fur by Saki
- The Romancers by Saki
Genres
- Psychological Fiction — The story explores the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the protagonist, Mona, particularly her feelings of despair and her fascination with death.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development and thematic depth, emphasizing the complexities of human relationships and existential themes.
- Tragedy — Mona's internal conflict and her contemplation of self-destruction reflect tragic elements, highlighting her sense of hopelessness.
- Gothic Fiction — The dark, oppressive atmosphere surrounding the pond and the themes of death and decay contribute to a gothic sensibility.
Tags
nature · satire · humor · irony · social commentary · class · victorian · short story · animals · human behavior · rural · dialogue
What this Textopian page supports
The Pond is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Gothic Fiction, Romance
- Length: 2,049 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Pond by Saki
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