“The Interlopers”:
The short story “The Interlopers” by Saki demonstrates the ironic aura of man vs. nature, and man vs. man. Hector Hugh Munro, pen named Saki, was one of the most popular short story writers during the pre-World War I British literature era. He wrote many stories and is often referred to as a highly under rated author for British literature. His war experiences were apparent in the novellas that he wrote, and often gave readers a gloomy, disturbed feeling. Other stories by Saki include: “Gabriel-Ernest”, “The Toys of Peace”, and “The Storyteller”. These short stories specifically illustrate horror, and the advantage of living life outside of the box. The three predominant literary techniques in Saki’s “The Interlopers” are setting, conflict, and, irony. Having a rough childhood, and unpredictable health; Saki was homeschooled until the age of 14. By the age of 16 he had moved to London to pursue a writing career. Finding a home in the British Museum reading room; he read and did many reports; some of which were published in newspapers and several books. “According to his sister’s memoir, he was much happier surrounded by literature.”( Langguth, par. 1). During this period he also grew highly fond of studying history and war. After World War I broke out Saki enlisted into Calvary, but found that life to be too vigorous and transferred into an Infantry unit. He witnessed gruesome acts that inspired various stories that he would eventually write in the future. “His travels exposed him to hardships and dangers that did much to alter the tone of his work” (Billingsley,2257). The war was devastating and horrific and definitely had a huge impact on Saki’s outlook on life, but throughout every battle he still continued to write. “He served in numerous battles, but continued to write during the war years”(Ullman,151). One story in particular