Srendi Vashtar Analysis

Characterization is a trait conveyed in an author’s writing to describe, represent, and construct a character in a reader’s mind. Conclusions drawn from an author’s characterization range from appearance to thoughts and motives. The easier the inference of conclusion is made from the text, the better the author. Saki, the author of “Srendi Vashtar”, used the three methods of characterization. Throughout the short story, Saki quickly creates an image in the mind of his readers with an exceptional application of characterization. The most simple and direct method of characterization is direct characterization. Direct characterization can be identified when a writer specifically and directly reveals traits about a character. Any time the writer
blatantly and straightforwardly tells a reader personality and appearance related information he is using direct characterization. Saki uses direct characterization to describe his main characters Conradin, Mrs. DeRopp, and Srendi Vashtar. Found in the first line of paragraph one Conradin is directly characterized as “ten years old”. Mrs. DeRopp is directly characterized in paragraph two. Saki reveals that though she may never verbalize it, Mrs. DeRopp does not like Conradin. This is brought to light by the quote “... though she did not find particularly irksome.” In paragraph three the reader is directly shown that Srendi Vashtar is a “...sharp-fanged beast…”. Indirect characterization is characterization shown by the his own words and thought or other character’s words and thoughts. The reader must look deeper into the action’s and response’s of the characters to correctly apply traits identified by indirect characterization. Saki effectively uses both versions of indirect characterization. Conradin’s intelligence is indirectly characterized in paragraph three when the reader is told “...He spun the beast a wonderful name…”. Conradin is indirectly characterized on page three, when Mrs. DeRopp ransacks his room, but he is still condial. Mrs. DeRopp is indirectly characterized by her own actions at the bottom of page one, when she does not allow Conradin to play in the garden. Conradin indirectly characterizes Mrs.DeRopp as cruel and mean throughout the story due to his resent and dislike for her.