The Unbearable Bassington (eBook)

Saki (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
123 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654706127-4 (EAN)

Infos

In Saki's "The Unbearable Bassington," readers are introduced to the quirky and sardonic world of Edwardian society, where wit intertwines with dark humor. The narrative follows the eponymous protagonist, who is a self-indulgent and hapless character enmeshed in social conventions, showcasing Saki's masterful use of irony and satire. Through vivid imagery and clever dialogue, the novella not only critiques the superficiality of the upper class but also explores themes of identity and the absurdity of human behavior. The rich contextual backdrop of pre-World War I England serves to heighten the narrative's social commentary, making it a poignant reflection of its time. H.H. Munro, known by his pen name Saki, was a master of the short story, often drawing inspiration from his own contentious experiences within upper-class society. Born in Burmah (now Myanmar) and educated in England, Saki's observations of the mores and manners of his contemporaries informed his biting satire. His own life, marked by personal tragedy and a rebellious spirit, is echoed throughout this novella, providing a deeper understanding of Bassington's superficiality, as it mirrors Saki's views on societal constraints. "The Unbearable Bassington" is a delightful exploration of human folly and the absurdity of social conventions that will resonate with readers who enjoy incisive humor and introspective critique. Perfect for fans of witty literature, this novella offers both an entertaining narrative and a thoughtful commentary that lingers long after the final page.

Autor

Hector Hugh Munro, known by his pen name Saki, was an eminent British writer born on December 18, 1870, in Akyab, Burma (now Myanmar). He was renowned for his witty, mischievous and sometimes macabre stories that satirized Edwardian society and culture. During his short literary career, Saki became famous for his peculiar brand of sardonic humor and his mastery of the short story as a form. He was a contemporary of authors such as O. Henry and Dorothy Parker who similarly excelled in the field of short fiction. Saki's narrative style is characterized by a blend of whimsical and the grotesque, often culminating in a surprising twist. One of his notable novels, 'The Unbearable Bassington' (1912), pinpoints his narrative finesse, portraying the dilemmas of a young man entrapped by the social normativities of his time. Saki's work was profoundly influenced by his upbringing; his childhood was marked by the death of his mother, after which he was sent to live with his strict aunts. This experience is reflected in his often cynical portrayal of family and social dynamics. Killed in action during World War I in 1916, Saki's brilliance continues to be celebrated posthumously through his acerbic short stories and his unique contributions to Edwardian literature.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 13.6.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Comic / Humor / Manga ► Humor / Satire
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Klassiker / Moderne Klassiker
• Schlagworte: british author • british authors • british humor • character-driven narrative • comedy of manners fiction • Comus Bassington antics • Cynical wit • dark humor tales • Edwardian era fiction • Edwardian social satire • Edwardian society • English aristocracy critique • English literature • Fiction • H.H. Munro books • Humorous narrative style • ironic character misadventures • Manners and customs • pre-war British literature • Saki short stories • Saki's writing style • satirical commentary • satirical commentary on society • short story collection • social norms satire • social satire novels • The Unbearable Bassington themes • Twentieth-Century Fiction • upper class England novels • Upper-class lifestyle • upper-class pretentiousness • Wit and humor in literature • witty short stories