Working a Miracle - New Oxford Modern English - Class 6 - English

Hector Hugh Munro, better known by his pen name Saki, was a British writer known for his witty and sometimes macabre stories. He was born in 1870 in British Burma and is considered a master of short stories. His writing style is known for being humorous, sharp, and filled with social commentary, with themes often revolving around the nature of the Edwardian society he lived in.

Saki's work is characterized by his clear, direct style and polished wit, and his stories often contain surprise endings. They feature satirical social commentary and are often centered around the lives of the upper classes in England. The characters in his stories are often eccentric and his narratives frequently involve elements of the supernatural.

Although his career as a writer was relatively short, Saki left a significant mark on English literature. His sharp wit and keen observations of society continue to be admired today. His most famous stories include "The Open Window", "The Schartz-Metterklume Method" and "Sredni Vashtar". Saki was killed in action during World War I in 1916.

Introduction and First Attempt of Persuasion 👥💬💸

The story begins within Mrs Chandresan's farmhouse, with Pratap asking for a loan from his aunt, Mrs Chandresan, who declines. She informs Pratap about an impending visit from Usha Rani. Pratap, realizing that Usha's visit and Lakshmi's stay will result in a conflict, decides to try and persuade Lakshmi to leave early. He attempts to do so by alluding to a high-profile wedding that Lakshmi would surely want to attend. Lakshmi dismisses this idea, much to Pratap’s chagrin.

Developing a Plan 🧠✍️

After the ....

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Interpersonal Relations

The drama presents several layers of interpersonal relations among the characters. From the nephew-aunt relationship between Pratap and Mrs. Chandresan, the rivalry between Lakshmi and Usha, and even the master-servant relationship between Raman and the household. These different relationships show the array of human emotions and interactions, ranging from love, concern, annoyance to manipulation. Pratap is shown as an opportunistic character, trying to gain advantage from the situation, while Mrs. Chandresan is shown accommodating and easy going person.

😆 Humorous Misdirection

The nature of the plot reeks of ....

1. PRATAP: "As a matter of fact I was only going to ask for five hundred. Perhaps a thousand would be better." It's the first hint that Pratap has a significant interest in his aunt’s financial support, and sets up his motivation for the rest of the play.

2. PRATAP: "Used to be, yes; that is what makes them such bitter enemies now." This line reveals the conflict between Lakshmi and Usha, setting up the main conflict that drives the play’s action.

3. MRS CHANDRESAN: "...

1. Bronze leghorn – a type of hen

   The bronze leghorn hen strutted around the yard, pecking at the ground.

2. Come between them – caused a dispute between them

   Their disagreement came when a misunderstanding came between them.

3. French window – glass doors on an outside wall, opening in the middle

   She gazed out of ..................................