Questions and Answers: “Fur” by Saki

Questions and Answers: “Fur” by Saki

1. What is the significance of the fur coat in the story?

• Answer: The fur coat is the central symbol in the story and represents wealth, status, and social power. Eleanor uses it to display her higher social standing, while Suzanne envies it as a symbol of success that she lacks. The fur coat also highlights the materialism that strains their friendship, revealing how possessions can influence personal relationships.

2. How does Suzanne feel about Eleanor’s fur coat, and why?

• Answer: Suzanne feels envious of Eleanor’s fur coat. Although she tries to hide her jealousy, it becomes evident that she covets the coat for the status and attention it brings to Eleanor. Suzanne’s feelings reflect her own insecurities and desire for the same kind of social recognition that Eleanor enjoys. Her envy ultimately exposes the superficial nature of their friendship.

3. How does Saki use irony in “Fur”?

• Answer: Saki uses irony throughout “Fur” to critique materialism and shallow friendships. The most prominent example is how a simple fur coat becomes the cause of tension and rivalry between Eleanor and Suzanne. Their relationship, which appears friendly on the surface, is ironically built on competition and jealousy rather than true companionship. The coat, which is merely an object, takes precedence over genuine human connection, highlighting the absurdity of valuing material possessions over relationships.

4. What does the story reveal about Eleanor and Suzanne’s friendship?

• Answer: Eleanor and Suzanne’s friendship is superficial and based more on social competition than emotional closeness. The fur coat becomes a symbol of the rift between them, as Eleanor flaunts her wealth while Suzanne becomes increasingly jealous. Their interactions show that their friendship lacks depth, as it is easily strained by material envy and pride, suggesting that their bond is built on appearances rather than mutual respect or affection.

5. How does the theme of materialism shape the characters’ actions in the story?

• Answer: Materialism drives both Eleanor and Suzanne’s actions in the story. Eleanor, proud of her expensive fur coat, enjoys showing it off, relishing the social recognition it brings. Suzanne, meanwhile, becomes consumed by her desire for the coat and the status it represents. This focus on material wealth strains their friendship, as both women prioritize possessions over genuine human connection. Saki uses their behavior to critique the emptiness of materialism and how it can distort personal relationships.

6. What is the overall message of “Fur” by Saki?

• Answer: The overall message of “Fur” is a critique of materialism and the superficiality of social relationships. Saki illustrates how material possessions, like the fur coat, can create jealousy and competition between friends, ultimately damaging their relationship. The story suggests that when people place too much value on wealth and status, they risk losing what truly matters—genuine human connections.