The Unconquerable Society
H.H Munero is a very prominent figure in literature as he has written many stories which have inspired thousands. Most of his writings shed light over the society and era in which he lived in. Society during the Edwardian age held many values and beliefs in which Saki often disagreed upon. It is very apparent in many of Saki’s works that he offers the reader a very sarcastic view on the Edwardian society and its culture. By thoroughly analyzing Tea it is clear that Saki introduces his very own perception of society as he reflects on the need to change but in essence can never be achieved due to society’s steadfast ideology and urge to conform all individuals in order to attain the “perfect” society.
To begin with, it is clear that during the Edwardian age people had certain values and traditions in which they felt that one must obtain in order to belong to society’s elite. Society during that time conducted everything in the individual’s daily life from the simplest things to the most crucial aspects in a person’s life. This is evident in Saki’s story as James Cushat-Prinkly has no desire to get married; however, is forced to do so in an attempt to please his family as he has reached the age in which he can no longer stay single according to society. In addition, Saki’s Tea satirizes the institution of marriage during that period proving that it is not secured as it is not built on the grounds of love and understanding but on personal and financial interests. This is evident in the story as the narrator states that the process of finding a girl for James was carried “by the force of suggestion and the weight of public opinion than by any initiative of his own” (Saki 1), as his family members recommend for him Joan since she has a certain level of sophistication that meets with James’ reinforcing the concept of traditional marriage. As a matter of fact, this is quite applicable to the Palestinian society as when the family sees...