The Quest by Saki (1910)
In a tranquil setting at Villa Elsinore, the Momebys are in distress over the disappearance of their infant son, Erik. Clovis, a guest at the villa, is drawn into the chaos as Mrs. Momeby frantically searches for the child. Clovis's sardonic remarks about the situation highlight his indifference to the parents' grief. As Mrs. Momeby recounts the events leading to Erik's disappearance, Clovis suggests increasingly absurd scenarios, including the possibility of a wild animal abducting the child. Miss Gilpet, a neighbor, arrives and offers a bizarre perspective, claiming that the Momebys' lack of faith is the reason for Erik's absence. She believes that if they truly believed, he would be found. Clovis mocks this notion, insisting that if a hyena had indeed taken the child, there would be little left of him. Despite the absurdity, Mrs. Momeby, in her desperation, implores Miss Gilpet to use her faith to locate Erik. Miss Gilpet embarks on a search, ignoring Mrs. Momeby's warnings about the futility of looking in certain areas. Miraculously, she soon returns with a child resembling Erik, but the parents are confused and distressed, as the child is not their son. Clovis observes the chaos with amusement, noting the irony of the situation. The real Erik is soon discovered hiding in a garden roller, leading to a moment of relief for the Momebys. However, the appearance of the duplicate child raises questions. Clovis suggests that the second child is a product of Miss Gilpet's faith, leaving her to grapple with the implications of her beliefs. The Momebys are left to confront the unexpected presence of this other child, who is now abandoned and crying. Clovis's humor remains intact as he comments on the absurdity of the situation, while Miss Gilpet is left distressed and uncertain about her role in the events. Ultimately, a nursemaid arrives to reclaim the duplicate child, revealing that he is not Erik but another lost boy. The situation resolves itself, but not without leaving a lingering sense of absurdity and the complexities of belief and reality. Clovis, unfazed by the emotional turmoil around him, returns to his concerns about the asparagus sauce, underscoring the story's blend of humor and commentary on human nature.
By Saki · First published 1910 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Short Story · 1,962 words
First lines
An unwonted peace hung over the Villa Elsinore, broken, however, at frequent intervals, by clamorous lamentations suggestive of bewildered bereavement. The Momebys had lost their infant child; hence the peace which its absence entailed; they were looking for it in wild, undisciplined fashion, giving tongue the whole time, which accounted for the outcry which swept through house and garden whenever they returned to try the home coverts anew. Clovis, who was temporarily and unwillingly a paying guest at the villa, had been dozing in a hammock at the far end of the garden when Mrs. Momeby had broken the news to him.
"We've lost Baby," she screamed.
What this Textopian page supports
The Quest 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: Comedy, Satire, Short Story, Fantasy, Drama
- Length: 1,962 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Quest by Saki
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Quest?
- How does this short story by Saki fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Up In The Air by Frank R. Stockton
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- The Character Of Quoodle by G. K. Chesterton
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Genres
- Comedy — The story employs humor through witty dialogue and absurd situations, characteristic of Saki's comedic style.
- Satire — The narrative critiques societal norms and parental anxieties, using irony to highlight the absurdity of the characters' concerns.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative, typical of Saki's short story format, focusing on a single incident.
- Fantasy — Elements of magical realism are present, particularly in the notion of faith creating a duplicate child.
Tags
adventure · fantasy · humor · satire · irony · social commentary · character study · narrative · dialogue · conflict · exploration · mystery