BY SAKI PAGES The Storyteller

Author Saki, pseudonym of H. H. Munro Born in Burma, son of a British military officer *Mother died before he was 2 *Sent to live with grandmother and strict aunts Worked as a political satirist and foreign correspondent *Enlisted at age 43 when WWI began *Killed on the front lines in France

Omniscient Narrator All-knowing observer who knows the thoughts, feelings, and motives of everyone in the story. Look for words that lead you the reader toward the author’s perspective

Author’s Purpose Always ask yourself why the author wrote this particular story. Was the story purely entertainment, or was the author making a particular point?

Satire A piece of writing that ridicules the shortcomings of people or institutions in an attempt to bring about change. Carefully observe what Saki might be ridiculing. We will discuss your observations at the end.

The story… As the story opens, three small children are traveling by train with their aunt. A bachelor is seated nearby and is steadily becoming more and more annoyed by the aunts efforts to control the children. Can you think of a similar situation that you have witnessed? What would you do if you were the aunt? If you were the bachelor?

The Assignment Think of something in life that really bugs you. Your list is supposed to promote change through satire. Make a satirical list of 10 ways to solve the problem.  Remember that satirists often try to persuade the reader to do or believe in something by showing the opposite view is absurd. This list is due tomorrow.

Satire Example Why Video Games Are More Important Than Homework 1. My thumbs do not get enough of a workout during a regular school day. 2. I am sharpening my defense skills in case aliens attack. 3. Am I really ever going to have to actually read a book in real life? You get the idea…Pick an absurdity in life and have fun pointing out the lack of logic in the statement.