The Wolves of Cernogratz by Saki
In a remote castle, a prosperous merchant and his sister discuss local legends, particularly one about how wolves howl when a member of the Cernogratz family dies. The sister dismisses the tale, claiming it to be mere folklore. However, the old governess, Amalie, reveals her connection to the Cernogratz lineage, asserting that the wolves indeed howl only for family members, not for strangers. This revelation is met with skepticism and derision from the baron and baroness, who regard her as an impertinent servant. As winter progresses, the baroness grows frustrated with Amalie's sudden illness, which prevents her from assisting during the New Year festivities. One evening, as guests gather, the howling of wolves erupts outside, causing alarm. The baroness, concerned for her own comfort, attempts to close Amalie's window, but the old woman insists on keeping it open to hear the wolves' song, interpreting it as a farewell from her family. Amalie acknowledges her impending death, feeling a sense of belonging as the last of her line. The wolves' howls intensify, and a tree crashes down in the park, signaling her death. The baroness, dismissing the significance of the event, attributes it to the cold weather. The story concludes with Amalie's passing, marked by the wolves' haunting music, leaving the baron and baroness to reflect on the legacy of the Cernogratz family and the old governess's true identity.
By Saki · First published 1930 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Short Story, Literary Fiction · 2,010 words
First lines
"Are there any old legends attached to the castle? " asked Conrad of his sister. Conrad was a prosperous Hamburg merchant, but he was the one poetically-dispositioned member of an eminently practical family.
The Baroness Gruebel shrugged her plump shoulders.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wolves of Cernogratz is listed on Textopian as a short story by Saki, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Short Story, Literary Fiction, Dark Humor, Fantasy
- Length: 2,010 words
- Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Wolves of Cernogratz by Saki
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Wolves of Cernogratz?
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- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The story features elements of the supernatural, family legends, and a haunting atmosphere associated with the castle.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a complete story within a limited word count.
- Literary Fiction — The text explores themes of memory, identity, and social class through character interactions and dialogue.
- Dark Humor — The story contains ironic and sardonic elements, particularly in the baroness's dismissive attitude towards the old governess.
Tags
satire · humor · short story · fantasy · animals · wolves · nobility · social commentary · irony · adventure · mystery · parody