Irony In The Interlopers

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Saki's short story "The Interlopers" is an excellent example of a story that is packed with meaning and emotion. Throughout the story, Saki utilizes several literary devices to effectively express the ideas and meanings that he is trying to convey to the audience. Through the use of irony, symbolism, and foreshadowing, Saki creates a tale of two men whose relationship is fueled by hatred, yet ultimately united by an unexpected twist of fate. The story is a powerful examination of the themes of reflection, revenge, and compassion. The use of irony in "The Interlopers" occurs in the story's twist ending. Throughout the story, the two main characters, Ulrich von Gradwitz, and Georg Znaeym are bitter enemies, whose families have been engaged in a centuries-long feud over a steep …show more content…

The two main characters, Ulrich and Georg, represent two warring sides that have been in a bitter feud for generations. The forest they are in symbolizes the darkness of the situation they are in, and the weather is used to convey the emotions they are feeling. The storm represents the rising tensions between the two men, while the fog is used to show the confusion and uncertainty of their situation. Furthermore, the wolves that Ulrich hears howling in the distance are used to symbolize the danger of the situation and the ultimate fate of the two men. The ending of the story is especially symbolic, as Ulrich and Georg embrace and realize their shared humanity. The embrace between the two men symbolizes the end of their feud and the start of a new era of peace and understanding. This powerful moment of understanding is further highlighted by the wolves, which no longer howl but instead come to witness the moment of reconciliation. By using symbolism to express the ideas and meanings of the story, Saki is able to create a powerful and lasting impression on the