The Remoulding of Groby Lington

Name: The Remoulding of Groby Lington
Author: Saki

Groby Lington, a middle-aged man, finds himself reluctantly visiting his sister-in-law and her children, feeling more at home with his books and parrot. His visits are driven by familial obligation, particularly to appease his brother, Colonel John. During one such visit, he discovers a caricature of himself and his parrot, prompting introspection about his life and the notion that pet owners resemble their animals. This leads him to question his own existence, feeling trapped in a monotonous routine. Upon returning home, Groby learns that his parrot has died, killed by a monkey that Colonel John brought as a surprise. Initially upset, Groby quickly rationalizes the loss, viewing it as a release for the aging bird. He becomes fond of the monkey, despite the servants' disapproval, as they mourn the cheerful parrot's absence. Months later, Groby’s behavior begins to change. He becomes increasingly childish and mischievous, culminating in an incident at church where he throws throat lozenges at a fellow parishioner, Miss Wepley. This behavior draws criticism from the community, and Groby’s reputation suffers as he is compared unfavorably to his former self and the monkey. His antics continue, including a humiliating episode for a stable boy when Groby lifts him into nettles to retrieve his clothes from the monkey. Groby’s temper flares, leading to a series of incidents that alienate his household staff. He is invited to a house party but finds himself annoyed by a pianist's snoring. In a fit of rage, he attacks the pianist, leading to a chaotic scene that results in a fire. Groby is hailed as a hero for rescuing the pianist, despite the circumstances of the incident. However, the loss of his monkey, which dies from a disease, marks a turning point for Groby. He becomes withdrawn and less lively, spending his days tending to a tortoise gifted by Colonel John. The once vibrant man is now referred to as "Old Uncle Groby" by his young relatives, reflecting his decline into a life devoid of the joy and energy he once possessed. The narrative explores themes of identity, the impact of companionship, and the consequences of neglecting one's true self.

By Saki · First published 1911 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Literary Fiction · 3,349 words

First lines

"A man is known by the company he keeps. "

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The Remoulding of Groby Lington is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1911 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Saki
Date: 1911 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Comedy, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Character Study
Length: 3,349 words
Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Satire — The story critiques social norms and human behavior through humor and irony, particularly in Groby's interactions and self-reflection.
Comedy — The narrative employs comedic elements, including absurd situations and character quirks, to entertain and provoke thought.
Literary Fiction — The work focuses on character development and introspection, exploring themes of identity and societal expectations.
Social Commentary — The text reflects on family dynamics and societal pressures, highlighting the absurdity of social obligations.