Themes: “Fur” by Saki
1. Materialism and Social Status
The fur coat in the story symbolizes wealth, status, and social standing. Both Eleanor and Suzanne’s interactions are heavily influenced by the coat, highlighting how material possessions can dictate relationships. Eleanor flaunts her coat as a mark of superiority, while Suzanne’s jealousy reflects her own desire for higher social status. Saki uses this theme to comment on how society often values individuals based on what they own rather than their character or integrity.
2. Jealousy and Rivalry
The story explores the destructive power of jealousy in personal relationships. Suzanne’s envy of Eleanor’s fur coat reveals her deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. Though they appear to be friends, the relationship is tainted by competition and resentment. Saki portrays how jealousy can erode even the closest bonds and lead to bitterness.
3. Superficiality in Friendships
Eleanor and Suzanne’s friendship is not built on mutual respect or affection but rather on a superficial bond shaped by appearances and material wealth. The story reveals how shallow friendships can easily break down when one person achieves more material success than the other. Saki uses their relationship to show how easily envy and pride can undermine genuine connections.
4. The Irony of Possession
Saki is well-known for his use of irony, and “Fur” is no exception. Eleanor’s pleasure in her possession of the coat is juxtaposed with Suzanne’s yearning for it. Yet, despite Eleanor’s flaunting of the fur, it ultimately holds no real value in the context of true friendship or happiness. The irony lies in how much importance the characters place on the coat, while the reader can see its triviality in the grand scheme of life.