MRS. PACKELTIDE’S TIGER
Title: “ Mrs. Packeltide’s Tiger” is the story of how Mrs. Packeltide’s ego, vanity and urge to outshine others cost her a fortune and subdued her for all times to come. However it is through the medium of an unfortunate, old infirm tiger that the whole drama is enacted. This tiger thus plays a very prominent role in the story as it brings about a transformation in Mrs. Packeltide’s approach and attitude. Hence the author has rightly chosen the title “ Mrs Packeltide’s Tiger.”
Theme: The story lays bare the shallowness and hollowness of the so called sophisticated elite of the society who go about pursuing hazardous activites not to taste personal thrill and excitement but to impress people around. Having a weakness for publicity, they pose to expose themselves to risk and danger but in reality they use money power to ensure their safety and comfort while getting their false brave images built.
Message : The story conveys the message that those who consider themselves smart enough to outshine others often get outsmarted themselves. The actions of these manipulative people can backfire and reconcile on them. Thus before targeting anyone, one must not forget that even a biter can be bitten
LITERARY DEVICE
Oxymoron: An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two contradictory words or ideas are put together. This figure of speech is used to draw attention to apparent contradiction. Its usage gives a smoothness and crispness to the style of writing. Saki’s use of oxymorons in “ Mrs Packletide’s Tiger” like ‘elaborate carelessness’(of the villagers); ‘venerable herd robber’ (the old tiger) ‘immeasurably nearer’ lunch planned in Loona Bimberton’s honour); Miss Mebin’s disagreeably pleasant laugh’ enhance the humour of the story.
Read The Following Extracts and Answer the Questions that Follow:
1. “ In a world that is supposed to be chiefly swayed by hunger and by love Mrs. Packletide was an exception; her movements and motives were largely governed by the dislike of Loona Bimberton”.
1. What does the author mean by, ‘the world swayed by hunger and love’?
2. How was Mrs. Packletide an exception?
3. How did ‘dislike of Loona Bimberton’ affect Mrs. Packeltide’s life?
2. “I believe it’s ill,” said Louisa Mebbin, loudly in Hindustani, for the benefit of the village headman, who was in ambush in a neighboring tree.
1. Who or what is ‘it’ in the present context? Why does it appear to be ill to the speaker?
2. Why did Louisa talk loudly in Hindustani?
3. What light does the above observation reflect on Louisa Mebbin?
3. The luncheon party she declined; there are limits beyond which repressed emotions become dangerous.
1. Which luncheon party is being referred to? who declined this party?
2. Why did she decline the invitation?
3. Explain : ‘there are limits beyond which repressed emotions becomes dangerous
Please click on below link to download CBSE Class 10 English Mrs Packletides Tiger Worksheet
