The Unkindest Blow by Saki (1912)
The narrative begins during a period of widespread strikes across various industries, culminating in a peculiar strike by zoological garden attendants. The threat of animals escaping prompts government intervention, but the strike resolves peacefully as keepers return to work out of attachment to the animals. With the strikes over, public attention shifts to a sensational divorce case involving the Duke of Falvertoon, a figure known for his past brilliance but recent obscurity. The divorce proceedings promise to be scandalous, involving numerous high-profile witnesses and generating significant media interest. As preparations for the trial intensify, the duke expresses a desire to withdraw the charges, suggesting a mutual "strike" with the duchess. This unexpected decision shocks the media and public, as it threatens the elaborate arrangements made for the trial, including special reporting and accommodations for distinguished guests. The duke articulates his frustration with the exploitation of their personal drama for public entertainment and profit, asserting their right to withdraw from the spectacle. The news of their potential reconciliation creates widespread concern among those invested in the trial's success. A conference is convened to negotiate terms that would encourage the couple to proceed with the divorce. Despite the efforts, the negotiations are fraught with tension and ultimately lead to a hollow victory when the duke unexpectedly dies shortly before the rescheduled trial. The story critiques societal fascination with scandal and the commodification of personal relationships, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and the consequences of public spectacle.
By Saki · First published 1912 · Genre: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary · 1,685 words
First lines
The season of strikes seemed to have run itself to a standstill. Almost every trade and industry and calling in which a dislocation could possibly be engineered had indulged in that luxury. The last and least successful convulsion had been the strike of the World's Union of Zoological Garden attendants, who, pending the settlement of certain demands, refused to minister further to the wants of the animals committed to their charge or to allow any other keepers to take their place. In this case the threat of the Zoological Gardens authorities that if the men "came out" the animals should come out also had intensified and precipitated the crisis. The imminent prospect of the larger carnivores, to say nothing of rhinoceroses and bull bison, roaming at large and unfed in the heart of London, was not one which permitted of prolonged conferences. The Government of the day, which from its tendency to be a few hours behind the course of events had been nicknamed the Government of the afternoon, was obliged to intervene with promptitude and decision. A strong force of Bluejackets was despatched to Regent's Park to take over the temporarily abandoned duties of the strikers. Bluejackets were chosen in preference to land forces, partly on account of the traditional readiness of the British Navy to go anywhere and do anything, partly by reason of the familiarity of the average sailor with monkeys, parrots, and other tropical fauna, but chiefly at the urgent request of the First Lord of the Admiralty, who was keenly desirous of an opportunity for performing some personal act of unobtrusive public service within the province of his department.
What this Textopian page supports
The Unkindest Blow is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Comedy, Social Commentary, Fiction, Political Fiction
- Length: 1,685 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and the absurdity of public interest in sensational events, characteristic of satirical literature.
- Comedy — The humorous elements and ironic situations, particularly surrounding the divorce and the strikes, align with comedic storytelling.
- Social Commentary — The narrative reflects on social issues such as class, media sensationalism, and public perception, serving as a commentary on society.
- Fiction — As a work of fiction, it constructs a narrative that explores fictional characters and events.
Tags
satire · humor · strike · divorce · society · politics · animals · zoology · London · class · absurdity · media