Welcome to our Lesson on "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" by Saki
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Explore the wit and satire of Saki's classic short story, "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger," through our engaging lesson plan designed for students and enthusiasts alike. This lesson delves into the intricate characters, themes, and literary techniques used by Saki to craft a humorous yet thought-provoking narrative.
Lesson Highlights:
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Character Study: Analyse Mrs. Packletide, Miss Mebbin, and Loona Bimberton—each with their own ambitions and quirks that drive the story forward.
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Literary Devices: Identify and understand literary devices such as oxymorons used by Saki to add depth and irony to the narrative.
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Group Activities: Enact pivotal scenes from the story, including Mrs. Packletide's planning with villagers, Miss Mebbin's blackmailing, and Loona Bimberton's reactions to Mrs. Packletide's hunting success.
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Discussion Topics: Explore themes of rivalry, ambition, and the consequences of seeking social validation through humorous and insightful discussions.
Why Study "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger"?
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Historical Context: Gain insights into the Edwardian era's societal norms and values reflected in Saki's satire.
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Literary Analysis: Develop critical thinking skills by analysing the story's structure, plot development, and character motivations.
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Relevance Today: Discuss how themes of rivalry and social status resonate in contemporary society.
Get Started
Immerse yourself in the world of "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" with our interactive lesson plan. Whether you're a student preparing for exams or a literature enthusiast exploring classic short stories, this lesson offers a comprehensive study of Saki's timeless work.
Critical Summary of the Lessons
"Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" is a satirical short story by Saki (H.H. Munro) that critiques the vanity, jealousy, and superficiality of society. The plot centers on Mrs. Packletide, a wealthy Englishwoman who decides to shoot a tiger in India, not out of a love for hunting but to outshine her social rival, Loona Bimberton. Loona had recently gained attention for being flown in an aeroplane, and Mrs. Packletide hopes to garner even greater admiration by displaying a tiger-skin rug and hosting a luncheon in Loona's honor.
To ensure her success with minimal risk, Mrs. Packletide offers a reward of a thousand rupees to the villagers who can arrange the hunt. The villagers, motivated by the reward, corral an old, infirm tiger for the shoot. During the hunt, Mrs. Packletide's paid companion, Miss Mebbin, reveals her stinginess and opportunism, questioning the value of the aged tiger and displaying an exaggerated concern for money.
The hunt itself turns into a farce when Mrs. Packletide accidentally shoots the bait goat instead of the tiger. The tiger, startled by the gunshot, dies of a heart attack. Despite the mishap, the villagers, eager for the reward, pretend that Mrs. Packletide successfully killed the tiger. Mrs. Packletide becomes famous, but her triumph is short-lived as Miss Mebbin blackmails her into buying a weekend cottage in exchange for her silence about the true events of the hunt.
Saki uses irony and humor to expose the absurdity of Mrs. Packletide's motivations and the lengths to which people will go for social status. The story critiques the trivialities of high society and the manipulative nature of individuals like Miss Mebbin, who exploit others for personal gain. Ultimately, Mrs. Packletide decides never to hunt big game again, citing the heavy incidental expenses, thus highlighting the hollow nature of her victory.
Characterization:
Characters
Each character in "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" serves a specific role in highlighting different aspects of human nature, social dynamics, and the pursuit of status. Together, they contribute to the story's satire of vanity, social competition, and the absurdity of upper-class pursuits in Edwardian society. let's delve into the characters from "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" by Saki:
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Mrs. Packletide:
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Description: A wealthy and vain socialite who becomes obsessed with shooting a tiger to outshine her rival, Loona Bimberton.
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Motivation: Her desire for social status and one-upmanship over Loona drives her to offer a large sum of money to organize a tiger hunt.
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Personality: She is depicted as determined, manipulative, and driven by appearances rather than genuine interest in hunting.
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Actions: Despite her lack of actual hunting prowess, she orchestrates the event to enhance her social standing and receive public recognition.
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Outcome: While she achieves superficial fame, her success is marred by the revelation that she did not actually kill the tiger.
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Loona Bimberton:
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Description: Mrs. Packletide's social rival, known for her recent aviation feat and subsequent fame.
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Role: Acts as a catalyst for Mrs. Packletide's tiger-shooting ambition due to the envy she inspires.
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Impact: Her presence underscores the competitive and often absurd nature of social climbing among the upper classes.
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Miss Louisa Mebbin:
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Description: Mrs. Packletide's paid companion who accompanies her on the tiger shoot.
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Role: Acts as a voice of reason and occasional comic relief. She is pragmatic and financially astute, contrasting sharply with Mrs. Packletide's extravagance.
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Relationship with Mrs. Packletide: While she maintains a professional façade, she subtly mocks Mrs. Packletide's vanity and ambitions.
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Aftermath: She benefits indirectly from the tiger shoot, using the money to acquire a weekend cottage, which she humorously decorates with tiger lilies.
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Villagers:
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Description: They are depicted as opportunistic and eager to please Mrs. Packletide for financial gain.
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Role: They assist in organizing the tiger shoot, ensuring that the conditions are favourable for Mrs. Packletide's success.
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Attitude: They celebrate the supposed success enthusiastically, despite knowing the truth about the tiger's death.
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The Tiger:
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Description: An elderly tiger, no longer a threat to humans, whose death is accidental and not due to Mrs. Packletide's shot.
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Symbolism: Represents the folly and artificiality of Mrs. Packletide's pursuit of social status and vanity-driven actions.
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Questions
4. Answer the following questions in your own words:
(a) What made Mrs. Packletide decide to give a party in Loona Bimberton's honour?
What did she intend to give Loona on her birthday?
(b) Who was Miss Mebbin? Was she really devoted to Mrs. Packletide? How did she behave during the tiger shooting?
(c) Mrs. Packletide was a good shot. Discuss.
(d) What comment did Miss Mebbin make after Mrs Packletide fired the shot? Why did Miss Mebbin make this comment? How did Mrs Packletide react to this comment?
(e) Briefly comment on the behaviour of the villagers throughout the story.
(f) Did Mrs. Packletide achieve her heart's desire? Give reasons for your answer.
(g) How did Miss Mebbin manage to get her week-end cottage? Why did she plant so many tiger lilies in her garden?
(h) "The incidental expenses are so heavy," she confides to inquiring friends. Who is the speaker? What is she referring to here?
(i) Do you think the silent figure of Loona Bimberton in the background, plays a crucial role in the story? Explain.
Answers
"Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" by Saki:
(a) Mrs. Packletide decided to give a party in Loona Bimberton's honour because she wanted to overshadow Loona's recent fame of being flown eleven miles by an Algerian aviator. She intended to give Loona a tiger-skin rug as a gift on her birthday.
(b) Miss Mebbin was Mrs. Packletide's paid companion. While she maintained a professional demeanour, she was not genuinely devoted to Mrs. Packletide's interests. During the tiger shooting, she was more concerned with financial matters, such as ensuring they wouldn't have to pay for the goat used as bait.
(c) Mrs. Packletide's shooting skills are questionable, as evidenced by the fact that she inadvertently shot a goat instead of the tiger, which died of shock rather than from her shot.
(d) After Mrs. Packletide fired the shot, Miss Mebbin commented humorously that Mrs. Packletide had actually shot the goat and scared the tiger to death. Miss Mebbin made this comment to tease Mrs. Packletide and possibly to assert her own position. Mrs. Packletide reacted with embarrassment and tried to silence Miss Mebbin.
(e) The villagers were motivated by the promise of earning a thousand rupees offered by Mrs. Packletide for organizing the tiger shoot. They meticulously prepared for the event and eagerly celebrated the perceived success, even though the tiger died of natural causes.
(f) Mrs. Packletide did achieve her heart's desire superficially, as she gained fame and press coverage for supposedly shooting a tiger. However, the reality was different, and the achievement was marred by the truth that the tiger died from shock, not from her shot.
(g) Miss Mebbin managed to acquire her weekend cottage through some undisclosed means, possibly related to her financial savvy or other resources. She planted tiger lilies in her garden as a humorous nod to the events surrounding Mrs. Packletide's tiger hunt.
(h) Mrs. Packletide is the speaker in this quote. She refers to the unexpected expenses or complications that arose from her attempt to fulfil her vanity-driven pursuit of shooting a tiger.
(i) Yes, Loona Bimberton's silent presence in the background plays a crucial role in the story. Her unwitting competition with Mrs. Packletide drives much of the latter's actions, highlighting the absurdity and vanity of their social interactions.
6. Discuss the following questions in detail and write the answers in your notebooks:
Questions
(a) Do you think the tiger shooting organized by the villagers was a serious affair?
Give reasons for your answer.
(b) Do you think the writer is trying to make fun of the main characters in the story i.e.
Mrs. Packletide, Miss Mebbin and Loona Bimberton? Pick out instances from the story that point to this fact.
(c) A person who is vain is full of self-importance and can only think of himself/herself and can go to great lengths to prove his/her superiority. Do you think Mrs Packletide is vain? Give reasons in support of your answer.
(d) Sometimes writers highlight certain negative aspects in society or human beings by making fun of them. This is called a Satire. In your groups, discuss whether you would classify this story as a satire. Give reasons to support your answer
(e) How does the writer create humour in this story?
Answers in details
(a) The tiger shooting organized by the villagers was not a serious affair in essence, as they manipulated circumstances to ensure Mrs. Packletide's success, even though the tiger was not properly hunted.
(b) The writer, Saki, uses satire to poke fun at the vanity and superficiality of the main characters, especially Mrs. Packletide and her social circle. Instances like Mrs. Packletide's exaggerated desire for fame and Miss Mebbin's sardonic commentary illustrate this.
(c) Mrs. Packletide displays vanity in her pursuit of social status and one-upmanship over Loona Bimberton. Her desire to shoot a tiger is driven more by the desire for public acclaim than by any real sporting passion.
(d) "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" can indeed be classified as satire. It critiques the vanity, social pretensions, and superficial pursuits of the upper classes through humour and exaggeration.
(e) The writer creates humour through irony, exaggeration, and absurd situations. For example, Mrs. Packletide's accidental shooting of the goat instead of the tiger and the villagers' enthusiastic but misguided efforts add comedic elements to the story.
Writing Task
6. Choose extracts from the story that illustrate the character of the people listed in the table given below. There are some words given to help you. You may add words of your own. One has been done as an example
Vain, jealous, competitive, shrewd, manipulative, stingy, materialistic, spiteful
Extract from the story
Character
What this tells us about the Character
Mrs. Packletide
(i) The compelling motive for her sudden deviation towards the footsteps of Nimrod was the fact that Loona Bimberton had recently been carried eleven miles in an aeroplane by an Algerian aviator, and talked of nothing else; only a personally procured tiger-skin and a heavy harvest of Press photographs could successfully counter that sort of thing
(ii) Mrs. Packletide had offered a thousand rupees for the opportunity of shooting a tiger without over-much risk or exertion,
(iii) Mrs. Packletide faced the cameras with a light heart, and her pictured fame reached from the pages of the Texas Weekly Snapshot to the illustrated Monday supplement of the
Novoe Vremya.
Competitive, jealous
Materialistic, manipulative
Vain, competitive
Louisa Mebbin
(i) "If it's an old tiger I think you ought to get it cheaper. A thousand rupees is a lot of money."
(ii) Louisa Mebbin adopted a protective elder-sister attitude towards money in general, irrespective of nationality or denomination
(iii) "How amused everyone would be if they knew what really happened," said Louisa Mebbin a few days after the ball.
(iv)Louisa Mebbin's pretty week-end
cottage, christened by her "Les Fauves,' and gay in summer-time with its garden borders of tiger-lilies is the wonder and admiration of her friends
Shrewd, stingy
Shrewd, protective
Spiteful, possibly manipulative in revealing truth
Materialistic, possibly competitive
Loona Bimberton
i) As for Loona Bimberton, she refused to look at an illustrated paper for weeks, and her letter of thanks for the gift of a the tiger-claw brooch was a model of repressed emotions
(ii) There are limits beyond which repressed emotions become dangerous.
Competitive, possibly jealous
Indicates a deep-seated rivalry and spitefulness
These extracts reveal the traits and motivations of each character, emphasizing their vanity, jealousy, competitiveness, shrewdness, and materialism as portrayed in "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" by Saki.
7. There are many amusing lines in the story. Here are a few of them. Rewrite each one in ordinary prose so that the meaning is retained. One has been done for you as an example:
a) It was Mrs. Packletide's pleasure and intention that she should shoot a tiger.
Mrs. Packletide wanted to shoot a tiger
b) Mrs. Packletide had already planned the lunch she would host at her house on Curzon Street, supposedly to honour Loona Bimberton. She envisioned a setting where a tiger-skin rug would dominate the conversation and the room.
c) Mothers carrying their babies through the jungle after their day's work in the fields quieted their singing to avoid disturbing the peaceful sleep of the aging tiger.
d) Louisa Mebbin took on a protective, almost sisterly attitude towards money in general, regardless of nationality or currency.
e) It was clear that Mrs. Packletide had mistakenly shot the wrong animal. The tiger had died from a heart failure triggered by the sudden rifle shot, hastened by its old age.
f) As for Loona Bimberton, she avoided looking at illustrated papers for weeks following the incident. Her thank-you letter for the tiger-claw brooch was restrained in expressing her true feelings.
8. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines normally-contradictory terms. The most common form of oxymoron involves an adjective-noun combination of two words like-failed success
Writers often use an oxymoron to call attention to an apparent contradiction. For example, Wilfred Owen's poem The Send-off refers to soldiers leaving for the front line, who "lined the train with faces grimly gay." The oxymoron 'grimly gay' highlights the contradiction between how the soldiers feel and how they act: though they put on a brave face and act cheerful, they feel grim. Some examples of oxymorons are- dark sunshine, cold sun, living dead, dark light, almost exactly etc. The story Mrs. Packletide's Tiger has a number of oxymorons. Can you identify them and write them down in your notebooks?
Answers
Here are some examples of oxymorons from "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger":
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Compelling motive: This oxymoron highlights the contradiction between a motive (usually driven by personal desire) and something that compels or forces action.
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Personally procured: The use of "personally" suggests direct involvement or personal effort, while "procured" implies obtaining something through external means or effort.
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Venerable herd-robber: "Venerable" suggests respect or reverence due to age or wisdom, while "herd-robber" implies a predator or thief, often used derogatorily.
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Partially deaf tiger: "Partially deaf" combines a condition of hearing impairment with the heightened sensitivity that tigers generally possess.
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Light heart: "Light" typically suggests something weightless or free, while "heart" refers to the emotional centre of a person, often associated with deep emotions.
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Senile decay: "Senile" refers to the deterioration or decline due to old age, while "decay" indicates a process of breaking down or rotting.
These oxymorons in "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" serve to highlight contradictions or unexpected pairings, adding layers of meaning and often humour to the narrative.
Writing Task
9 (a) Years later Mrs. Packletide writes her autobiography. As Mrs. Packletide, write about the tiger episode with the help of the clues given below.
jealous of the applause Loona was getting-thought of tiger hunt -- all arranged -- Louisa Mebbin accompanied; turned out to be a blackmailer-huge price to pay to outdo a rival
Title: My Triumph and the Tiger: An Autobiographical Account
In the annals of my life, there is a chapter that stands out prominently—the tiger episode that stirred both admiration and controversy. It all began with a spark of envy, ignited by the resounding applause that my rival, Loona Bimberton, garnered after her audacious flight with an Algerian aviator. The desire to reclaim the spotlight, to outshine her in the eyes of society, took hold of me like an irresistible force.
I conceived the idea of a tiger hunt—a spectacle that would eclipse all talk of Loona's escapades. With meticulous planning and unwavering determination, I arranged every detail, from the grand luncheon at my Curzon Street residence adorned with a tiger-skin rug, to the strategic positioning in the press for maximum exposure.
Accompanied by my steadfast companion, Louisa Mebbin, I ventured into the jungle with the promise of a majestic kill that would secure my triumph. Little did I know then of Miss Mebbin's true intentions—her subtle manoeuvres to extract a hefty price for her silence, revealing her as a blackmailer in the guise of a trusted confidante.
The incident unfolded dramatically, though not as planned. The shot fired, not by my hand but by fate itself, brought down a tiger that succumbed not to my skill but to the shock of the moment. Despite the unexpected turn of events, the villagers and the press hailed me as the valiant huntress, unaware of the true sequence of events.
Looking back, the price I paid—financially and morally—to outdo a rival was immense. Yet, the fleeting moment of triumph, immortalized in the snapshots and headlines, stands as a testament to my indomitable spirit and determination to rise above adversity.
As I pen these memoirs, I reflect on the complexities of ambition and rivalry that shaped my life. The tiger episode remains a pivotal chapter—a tale of ambition, deception, and the high price of seeking validation in the eyes of others.
(b) In groups of four, construct the dialogues and enact the following situations from the story:
1. Mrs. Packletide and the headman of the village/other villagers discussing the details of the tiger shooting
2. Miss Mebbin blackmailing Mrs Packletide into gifting her a cottage
3. Loona Bimberton and a lady-friend discussing Mrs Packletide's hunting success
Here are the dialogues for each situation from "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger":
These dialogues capture the essence of the characters and the dynamics between them as portrayed in "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger" by Saki.
Situation 1: Mrs. Packletide and the headman of the village/other villagers discussing the details of the tiger shooting
Characters: Mrs. Packletide, Village Headman, Villagers
Setting: A meeting in the village square or a gathering at Mrs. Packletide's temporary residence.
Dialogue:
Mrs. Packletide: (Addressing the headman and villagers) Good evening, everyone. I trust the arrangements for tomorrow's hunt are proceeding smoothly?
Village Headman: Yes, memsahib. We have stationed our children around the jungle and ensured the goats are in place.
Mrs. Packletide: Excellent. I trust the tiger will cooperate and make an appearance for our esteemed guests?
Villager 1: (Nervously) Mem, what if the tiger doesn't show up?
Mrs. Packletide: (Confidently) Oh, don't worry. He's an old fellow, bound to come for an easy meal. And remember, the reward will be handsome for anyone who ensures the tiger's appearance.
Village Headman: We understand, memsahib. We'll do our best to ensure your hunt is successful.
Mrs. Packletide: Very good. Now, let's discuss the positioning of the platform and the safety measures once more. We can't afford any mishaps tomorrow.
Villager 2: (Excitedly) Mem, what will you do with the tiger once it's shot?
Mrs. Packletide: (Smiling) Oh, that's already planned. It will be the centrepiece at a luncheon I'm hosting in honour of Miss Bimberton. Now, let's finalize the details.
Situation 2: Miss Mebbin blackmailing Mrs. Packletide into gifting her a cottage
Characters: Miss Mebbin, Mrs. Packletide
Setting: Inside Mrs. Packletide's residence or a private conversation in a secluded area.
Dialogue:
Miss Mebbin: (Casually) You know, Mrs. Packletide, I've been thinking lately. Life is short, and I've always dreamt of owning a quaint cottage.
Mrs. Packletide: (Curious) Oh? And what does that have to do with our recent adventure?
Miss Mebbin: (Turning serious) Well, it's about my discretion, Mrs. Packletide. You see, I could easily let slip a few details about our tiger hunt that might not sit well with certain circles.
Mrs. Packletide: (Suddenly concerned) Are you implying...?
Miss Mebbin: (Smiling faintly) Oh, nothing too serious. Just that a generous gesture on your part could ensure my silence and perhaps fulfil a small dream of mine.
Mrs. Packletide: (Realizing) You're asking for...?
Miss Mebbin: (Directly) A cottage, Mrs. Packletide. A modest place to call my own, away from prying eyes.
Mrs. Packletide: (Sighing) Very well, Miss Mebbin. Consider it done. But remember, discretion is paramount.
Miss Mebbin: (Nodding) Of course, memsahib. You won't regret this.
Situation 3: Loona Bimberton and a lady-friend discussing Mrs. Packletide's hunting success
Characters: Loona Bimberton, Lady-Friend
Setting: A social gathering or a private conversation in Loona Bimberton's residence.
Dialogue:
Loona Bimberton: (Gently mocking) So, my dear, have you heard the latest about Mrs. Packletide's grand adventure?
Lady-Friend: (Curious) Oh, do tell! I've been hearing whispers about a tiger and a rather extravagant luncheon.
Loona Bimberton: (Smirking) Well, it seems our dear Mrs. Packletide has taken to big-game hunting. She claims to have shot a tiger; you know.
Lady-Friend: (Impressed) My, how adventurous! And did she succeed?
Loona Bimberton: (Dryly) Oh, yes. Though it turns out the tiger may have met its end due to old age rather than Mrs. Packletide's marksmanship.
Lady-Friend: (Laughing) How scandalous! And what did she do with the tiger?
Loona Bimberton: (Rolling her eyes) Oh, she's planning to display it proudly at a luncheon in my honour. I must admit, it's quite the spectacle.
Lady-Friend: (Amused) Well, Mrs. Packletide does have a flair for the dramatic, doesn't she?
Loona Bimberton: (Sighing) Indeed she does, my dear. But let's not dwell on her antics. Tell me, how have you been enjoying the season?
Themes
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Vanity and Social Competition:
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In "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger," the theme of vanity is central. Mrs. Packletide's actions are driven by a desire to outdo Loona Bimberton, highlighting the superficiality and competitiveness of high society.
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Sonnet 55 addresses the theme of immortality through art, contrasting the ephemeral nature of physical monuments with the enduring power of poetry.
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Irony and Satire:
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Saki uses irony and satire to critique societal norms and human nature, exposing the absurd lengths to which individuals will go for social recognition.
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Shakespeare employs irony in the sense that physical monuments, which are meant to immortalize, are depicted as less enduring than poetry.
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Immortality and Legacy:
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Both works explore the concept of immortality. Saki's story indirectly suggests that social fame is fleeting and often based on deceit, while Shakespeare's sonnet asserts that true immortality is achieved through the lasting power of art.
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