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Tobermory
Tobermory is one of Saki’s (H. H. Munro) best known short stories. Toby is a cat that learns to speak human to everyone's amazement.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1912
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767 people want to read
About the author
Saki
1,373 books570 followersBritish writer Hector Hugh Munro under pen name Saki published his witty and sometimes bitter short stories in collections, such as
The Chronicles of Clovis
(1911).
His sometimes macabre satirized Edwardian society and culture. People consider him a master and often compare him to William Sydney Porter and Dorothy Rothschild Parker. His tales feature delicately drawn characters and finely judged narratives. "The Open Window," perhaps his most famous, closes with the line, "Romance at short notice was her specialty," which thus entered the lexicon. Newspapers first and then several volumes published him as the custom of the time.
His works include
* a full-length play, The Watched Pot , in collaboration with Charles Maude;
* two one-act plays;
* a historical study, The Rise of the Russian Empire , the only book under his own name;
* a short novel, The Unbearable Bassington ;
* the episodic The Westminster Alice , a parliamentary parody of Alice in Wonderland ;
* and When William Came: A Story of London under the Hohenzollerns , an early alternate history.
Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, and Joseph Rudyard Kipling, influenced Munro, who in turn influenced A. A. Milne, and Pelham Grenville Wodehouse.
His sometimes macabre satirized Edwardian society and culture. People consider him a master and often compare him to William Sydney Porter and Dorothy Rothschild Parker. His tales feature delicately drawn characters and finely judged narratives. "The Open Window," perhaps his most famous, closes with the line, "Romance at short notice was her specialty," which thus entered the lexicon. Newspapers first and then several volumes published him as the custom of the time.
His works include
* a full-length play, The Watched Pot , in collaboration with Charles Maude;
* two one-act plays;
* a historical study, The Rise of the Russian Empire , the only book under his own name;
* a short novel, The Unbearable Bassington ;
* the episodic The Westminster Alice , a parliamentary parody of Alice in Wonderland ;
* and When William Came: A Story of London under the Hohenzollerns , an early alternate history.
Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, and Joseph Rudyard Kipling, influenced Munro, who in turn influenced A. A. Milne, and Pelham Grenville Wodehouse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 22, 2024
I forgot about this Saki. Another funny story about a cat who suddenly starts to speak. The event, after it losses the initial surprise factor becomes a nuisance. The cat seems to know all the neighbourhood secrets and does not shy away from sharing them.
January 3, 2024
4.5 stars
This story packs a punch despite its brevity.
Imagine the following.
Your cat has a beautiful name - Tobermory, the one and only. You affectionately call him Toby. You love your pet, who is always somewhere nearby. He follows you into the kitchen and bedroom. Slumbers on the desk as you write a letter. Finds himself curling up cozily on the back of the armchair when you talk on the phone. One does not have to speak in order to know.
Toby is so charming that you will never part with him of your own free will. If someone dares to claim that, in a few days, you will want to get rid of your fluffy friend, you will only laugh in his or her face. But you may not simply want it, but be perfectly ready to act accordingly.
How is this possible? How come your attitude toward Tobermory changed so drastically?
It has something to do with the outstanding cognitive abilities of your cat. Toby is so smart that he might one day start talking. He might be able to tell everything he knows about you and your life.
The cat has watched you for a long time and done this even in the most intimate moments. Having become a potential spokesman for perhaps not always pleasant truth, the animal is instantly perceived as alien and hostile.
It is like Toby holding a mirror up to the consciousness and memory of the people around him.
No wonder the cat makes them first nonplussed and then anxious.
Low-key pandemonium sets in as they realize what Toby's "dangerous gift" implies for them.
Would you sacrifice your peace of mind in favor of Toby with his detailed knowledge about what was happening in the house? It seems unlikely. Many of us would not agree to this, let's admit it.
Living our life in such a way that we have nothing to hide even from our pets may become a too challenging task.
This elegant and witty sketch is ultimately not about a cat with a unique superior intellect. Saki used a fantastical premise to write about ordinary people with their fears and weaknesses. It is about us. Since human nature has not changed, it is as relevant today as it was one hundred or five hundred years ago. Ignoring the truth and avoiding being exposed is often too convenient, and understandably so.
In most people, under a veneer of culture and civilized behavior, there is a little (sometimes not so little) element quietly lurking, which, if given free rein, risks growing into savagery. And this element, having awakened in one, can quickly spread to others.
Tobermory can be read here.
This story packs a punch despite its brevity.
Imagine the following.
Your cat has a beautiful name - Tobermory, the one and only. You affectionately call him Toby. You love your pet, who is always somewhere nearby. He follows you into the kitchen and bedroom. Slumbers on the desk as you write a letter. Finds himself curling up cozily on the back of the armchair when you talk on the phone. One does not have to speak in order to know.
Toby is so charming that you will never part with him of your own free will. If someone dares to claim that, in a few days, you will want to get rid of your fluffy friend, you will only laugh in his or her face. But you may not simply want it, but be perfectly ready to act accordingly.
How is this possible? How come your attitude toward Tobermory changed so drastically?
It has something to do with the outstanding cognitive abilities of your cat. Toby is so smart that he might one day start talking. He might be able to tell everything he knows about you and your life.
The cat has watched you for a long time and done this even in the most intimate moments. Having become a potential spokesman for perhaps not always pleasant truth, the animal is instantly perceived as alien and hostile.
It is like Toby holding a mirror up to the consciousness and memory of the people around him.
No wonder the cat makes them first nonplussed and then anxious.
Low-key pandemonium sets in as they realize what Toby's "dangerous gift" implies for them.
Would you sacrifice your peace of mind in favor of Toby with his detailed knowledge about what was happening in the house? It seems unlikely. Many of us would not agree to this, let's admit it.
Living our life in such a way that we have nothing to hide even from our pets may become a too challenging task.
This elegant and witty sketch is ultimately not about a cat with a unique superior intellect. Saki used a fantastical premise to write about ordinary people with their fears and weaknesses. It is about us. Since human nature has not changed, it is as relevant today as it was one hundred or five hundred years ago. Ignoring the truth and avoiding being exposed is often too convenient, and understandably so.
In most people, under a veneer of culture and civilized behavior, there is a little (sometimes not so little) element quietly lurking, which, if given free rein, risks growing into savagery. And this element, having awakened in one, can quickly spread to others.
Tobermory can be read here.
July 21, 2019
A potentially predictable story that Saki weaves into a witty delight. You can read it as a moral tale mocking Victorian hypocrisy, admiration of feline intelligence, a warning about the danger of knowledge, anticipation of the consequences of our surveillance society, simple karma, or just an enjoyable little fantasy.
Image: “I’m glad my cat can’t talk. It knows too much.” (Source.)
Mr Cornelius Appin’s “homely negative personality” is proving a bit of a disappointment to his hostess and her guests, until he declares that after seventeen futile years trying to teach animals to talk, he has finally found success, after recently switching to felines:
“[Cats] have assimilated themselves so marvellously with our civilization while retaining all their highly developed feral instincts.”
Sir Wilfred goes to find his cat, Tobermory, “and, by Gad! he drawled out in a most horribly natural voice that he'd come when he dashed well pleased!”. Ruder than one could be to anyone other than a member of one’s staff, which of course, Sir Toby is.
Cats have nine lives (“but only one liver”), sharp eyes, ears, and intelligence, as well as being able to tip-paw all over the place, unremarked. Tobermory knows everyone’s secrets, from whispered insults, to illicit affairs, and dodgy scams, and he rather enjoys sharing them, watching people squirm. Perhaps Clovis has met his match?
Any affection for Appin or Tobermory rapidly evaporates.
Saki has a couple of little twists for the end.
It could be adapted as a delightful children's picture book, with only minor expurgation.
Quotes
• “He had subsided into mere Mr Appin, and the Cornelius seemed a piece of transparent baptismal bluff.”
• “If you are methodical and virtuous in private you don't necessarily want every one to know it.”
• "An archangel ecstatically proclaiming the Millennium, and then finding that it clashed unpardonably with Henley... could hardly have felt more crestfallen than Cornelius Appin at the reception of his wonderful achievement."
More Saki
I'm gradually collating reviews of Saki short stories under The Best of Saki, HERE, as I read them in a rambling way, over several weeks and months.
You can find his stories, free, on Gutenberg. For example, HERE. Most are very short.
Image: “I’m glad my cat can’t talk. It knows too much.” (Source.)
Mr Cornelius Appin’s “homely negative personality” is proving a bit of a disappointment to his hostess and her guests, until he declares that after seventeen futile years trying to teach animals to talk, he has finally found success, after recently switching to felines:
“[Cats] have assimilated themselves so marvellously with our civilization while retaining all their highly developed feral instincts.”
Sir Wilfred goes to find his cat, Tobermory, “and, by Gad! he drawled out in a most horribly natural voice that he'd come when he dashed well pleased!”. Ruder than one could be to anyone other than a member of one’s staff, which of course, Sir Toby is.
Cats have nine lives (“but only one liver”), sharp eyes, ears, and intelligence, as well as being able to tip-paw all over the place, unremarked. Tobermory knows everyone’s secrets, from whispered insults, to illicit affairs, and dodgy scams, and he rather enjoys sharing them, watching people squirm. Perhaps Clovis has met his match?
Any affection for Appin or Tobermory rapidly evaporates.
Saki has a couple of little twists for the end.
It could be adapted as a delightful children's picture book, with only minor expurgation.
Quotes
• “He had subsided into mere Mr Appin, and the Cornelius seemed a piece of transparent baptismal bluff.”
• “If you are methodical and virtuous in private you don't necessarily want every one to know it.”
• "An archangel ecstatically proclaiming the Millennium, and then finding that it clashed unpardonably with Henley... could hardly have felt more crestfallen than Cornelius Appin at the reception of his wonderful achievement."
More Saki
I'm gradually collating reviews of Saki short stories under The Best of Saki, HERE, as I read them in a rambling way, over several weeks and months.
You can find his stories, free, on Gutenberg. For example, HERE. Most are very short.
December 10, 2023
В последнее время часто вижу у своих друзей восхитительные рецензии на рассказы Саки, английского писателя малоизвестного у нас. Мне захотелось познакомиться с его творчеством, и не зря.
Тобермори – очень короткий, но очень остроумный рассказ, пополняющий всемирную литературную коллекцию об ученых котах, нисколько не уступающую коту Нацумэ Сосэки или Эрнеста Теодора Амадея Гофмана. Это рассказ о человеческой глупости, о нежелании слышать правду, которую Тебормори без обиняков бросает в глаза, и о лицемерии, когда кота сначала хотели накормить стрихнином, но после его смерти в неравном бою с соседской собакой, посчитали нужным высказать свое возмущение хозяину пса. Саки можно сравнить с Оскаром Уайльдом, так же остр на язык и также изыскан.
Тобермори – очень короткий, но очень остроумный рассказ, пополняющий всемирную литературную коллекцию об ученых котах, нисколько не уступающую коту Нацумэ Сосэки или Эрнеста Теодора Амадея Гофмана. Это рассказ о человеческой глупости, о нежелании слышать правду, которую Тебормори без обиняков бросает в глаза, и о лицемерии, когда кота сначала хотели накормить стрихнином, но после его смерти в неравном бою с соседской собакой, посчитали нужным высказать свое возмущение хозяину пса. Саки можно сравнить с Оскаром Уайльдом, так же остр на язык и также изыскан.
December 30, 2023
Mr. Cornelius Appin, an unimpressive Englishman, was invited to Sir Wilfred and Lady Blemley’s house-party, on the vague hunch that he is clever and may raise the entertainment quotient on a rather dreary August afternoon. Will he live up to expectations? I sense his social inaptness and brace myself as he regales the guests with his boast about a successful experiment on the hosts’ cat, Tobermory. Cute name!
Appin claims to have trained Tobermory (a.k.a. Toby), “a ‘Beyond Cat’ of extraordinary intelligence” to speak human language ‘with perfect correctness.’ The fun and discomfiture begin when dear Toby, incredulously eloquent but tactless, is invited to the party. My acquaintance with Saki tells me that the hosts and guests are in for a rude shock.
Saki’s trademark wit, wicked humor, and sarcasm are on full display in this rather nasty short story. It amazes me how, in just a few pages, the unsavory side of human nature is thrust into the forefront of consciousness. It is humiliating and humbling.
Big thanks to Nika for introducing me to this story. It can be read here: Tobermory
Appin claims to have trained Tobermory (a.k.a. Toby), “a ‘Beyond Cat’ of extraordinary intelligence” to speak human language ‘with perfect correctness.’ The fun and discomfiture begin when dear Toby, incredulously eloquent but tactless, is invited to the party. My acquaintance with Saki tells me that the hosts and guests are in for a rude shock.
Saki’s trademark wit, wicked humor, and sarcasm are on full display in this rather nasty short story. It amazes me how, in just a few pages, the unsavory side of human nature is thrust into the forefront of consciousness. It is humiliating and humbling.
Big thanks to Nika for introducing me to this story. It can be read here: Tobermory
November 26, 2017
Saki: A peerless writer mown down by the scythe of war.
IT is obvious that Saki, whose real name is Hector Hugh Munro, loves playing cat-and-mouse games with his readers as well as between the characters of his short stories. Besides, from start to finish he keeps his readers in fits as his tales are full of humour.
In “Tobermory”, Cornelius Appin has invited guests to a party at his house. Shortly he breaks the news that he has taught the art of speaking to his pet cat. Oh! Did I mention that the feline goes by the name of Tobermory?
All the guests find the news about the “talking cat” to be absolutely incredible. Whoever in his right mind ever heard of a chatting cat!
Tobermory, Edward Gorey illustration.
When the guests actually get to meet the cat, they are shocked out of their wits that she can not only talk, but always proves to be one up on them with her wisecrack replies. The following extract is crystal-clear proof of that:
“Another silence fell on the group, and then Miss Resker, in her best district-visitor manner, asked if the human language had been difficult to learn. Tobermory looked squarely at her for a moment and then fixed his gaze serenely on the middle distance. It was obvious that boring questions lay outside his scheme of life.
“What do you think of human intelligence?” asked Mavis Pellington lamely.
“Of whose intelligence in particular?” asked Tobermory coldly.
“Oh, well, mine for instance,” said Mavis with a feeble laugh.
Tobermory, ilustrated by M. Vydrová
“You put me in an embarrassing position,” said Tobermory, whose tone and attitude certainly did not suggest a shred of embarrassment. “When your inclusion in this house-party was suggested Sir Wilfrid protested that you were the most brainless woman of his acquaintance, and that there was a wide distinction between hospitality and the care of the feeble-minded. Lady Blemley replied that your lack of brain-power was the precise quality which had earned you your invitation, as you were the only person she could think of who might be idiotic enough to buy their old car. You know, the one they call ‘The Envy of Sisyphus,’ because it goes quite nicely up-hill if you push it.”
Lady Blemley’s protestations would have had greater effect if she had not casually suggested to Mavis only that morning that the car in question would be just the thing for her down at her Devonshire home.”
Now read Saki’s story to fall in love with Tobermory the Talking Cat.
Tobermory can not only talk but write too!
November 17, 2015
Teaching domestic cats to talk would certainly be an amazing scientific accomplishment - but are you sure we'd really want to hear what they have to say? Here, a group of guests at a hoity-toity British dinner party learn that they absolutely do not want to hear from the cat.
This really isn't one for the cat lovers - but it's a cuttingly humorous look at the humans.
This really isn't one for the cat lovers - but it's a cuttingly humorous look at the humans.
January 30, 2023
Originally published in The Chronicles of Clovis, Tobermory the talking cat has acquired a life of his own (ironically, considering the fate of the cat in the story).
Somehow I feel that if cats were actually able to report what they saw and overheard it would be even more unflattering and disastrous than portrayed here by the inimitable Saki.
Somehow I feel that if cats were actually able to report what they saw and overheard it would be even more unflattering and disastrous than portrayed here by the inimitable Saki.
January 3, 2024
The guests at Lady Glemley's house party were conversing when Mr Appin announced that he had taught the house cat, Tobermory, the art of human speech. Panic ensues as the guests realize Tobermory has been listening to their private conversations and peering in their bedroom windows. I enjoyed Saki's humor in this short story.
Thanks to Nika for the recommendation.
Thanks to Nika for the recommendation.
June 17, 2024
(I have just reread this story, as I will do again in the future, and was once more overwhelmed by the sheer genius of this incredibly funny story).
What can I say about this wonderful story? First if you have not read it or have not read anything by Saki then you are 'like one looking through a glass darkly' you have missed and continue to miss one of the funniest, most life giving stories ever written. It is the sort of story you can read when all the rest of your life is completely shite and while maybe it will not make things better it will make you smile, laugh and find enjoyment in perfection. The same can be said for the rest of Saki's stories. it terms of quality in story writing he is miles ahead of someone like Conan Doyle with his Sherlock Holmes stories - a vast number of which were distinctly second rate - were as Saki - he is like a virtuoso of the short story.
But back to this one - a cat who talks - but it is so much more because it is a dissection of a certain section of English life and peoples. Although ostensibly a demolition of rich country house dwellers it is much more. Although I disagree with those who read a 'gay bashing' theme (it is to reductive) the story really shows up so many unattractive aspects of 'humanity' that it can not but cause a great sense of unease. But that is Saki's great skill, and perhaps why he has never been taken as the social commentator and critique that he could be. He may not have been a revolutionary but he saw nothing good in the world he lived in.
What can I say about this wonderful story? First if you have not read it or have not read anything by Saki then you are 'like one looking through a glass darkly' you have missed and continue to miss one of the funniest, most life giving stories ever written. It is the sort of story you can read when all the rest of your life is completely shite and while maybe it will not make things better it will make you smile, laugh and find enjoyment in perfection. The same can be said for the rest of Saki's stories. it terms of quality in story writing he is miles ahead of someone like Conan Doyle with his Sherlock Holmes stories - a vast number of which were distinctly second rate - were as Saki - he is like a virtuoso of the short story.
But back to this one - a cat who talks - but it is so much more because it is a dissection of a certain section of English life and peoples. Although ostensibly a demolition of rich country house dwellers it is much more. Although I disagree with those who read a 'gay bashing' theme (it is to reductive) the story really shows up so many unattractive aspects of 'humanity' that it can not but cause a great sense of unease. But that is Saki's great skill, and perhaps why he has never been taken as the social commentator and critique that he could be. He may not have been a revolutionary but he saw nothing good in the world he lived in.
March 12, 2014
hilarious, cutting, and all-too-dishearteningly-accurate in its skewering of, y'know, everyone.
my editor's husband says author saki is like wodehouse with a mean streak.
spoiler alert: hellfuckyeah.
my editor's husband says author saki is like wodehouse with a mean streak.
spoiler alert: hellfuckyeah.
December 7, 2019
Fun story about a talking cat. Good insight into human behavior.
July 23, 2022
Tobermory es un gato muy gato, ronda la casa, parece ignorar a los humanos, pero atiende sin que los demás se percaten de ello lo que pasa a su alrededor. Es descubierto por un ingenioso profesor que encuentra la clave para enseñar a hablar con perfecta corrección al gato, y es ahí donde estalla la bomba. Pues en media reunión social de aquellas que se realizaban en las casas de bien en la época victoriana, ante la sorpresa y estupor de todos, que lo quieren escuchar hablar, empieza a soltar una serie de secretos y confidencias de las que ha sido testigo y que obviamente nadie desea que se hagan públicas.
Como resultado, las personas involucradas se ven desenmascaradas y ofendidas, por lo que traman una solución que no será del agrado de Tobermory ni del profesor.
Una historia divertida por un lado, de reflexión para otros, y no apta para los amantes de los gatos.
Como resultado, las personas involucradas se ven desenmascaradas y ofendidas, por lo que traman una solución que no será del agrado de Tobermory ni del profesor.
Una historia divertida por un lado, de reflexión para otros, y no apta para los amantes de los gatos.
January 22, 2024
Suppose in your fantasy your pet actually responded to you in recognizable speech. How would you react? What would be the contents of this language exchange? This tale exactly explored that thought and carried it throughout.
It is a humorous device, wherein the cat belonging to an upper class Lady entertained her house party guests with the cat, who addressed them in their "language with perfect correctness". Astounding as this was, it aroused much shock and agitation as the pet, without concern, voiced his opinions of them and more. This was a funny, yet sober story which confronted much of the emptiness of upper class opinions and values. My short story group enjoyed this witty rendering and shared many views.
It is a humorous device, wherein the cat belonging to an upper class Lady entertained her house party guests with the cat, who addressed them in their "language with perfect correctness". Astounding as this was, it aroused much shock and agitation as the pet, without concern, voiced his opinions of them and more. This was a funny, yet sober story which confronted much of the emptiness of upper class opinions and values. My short story group enjoyed this witty rendering and shared many views.
July 26, 2022
Relato corto muy bueno y sarcástico de la sociedad victoriana. 6/10
January 30, 2023
A rather humorous story of a talking cat.
September 25, 2018
From The Chronicles of Clovis, Tobermory is a short story that’s typical of Saki’s sense of humour: witty, sarcastic, and a fine example of the black humour he was so known for.
In this brief sketch, set in a country house with its complement of house guests, an odd young man who is vaguely reputed to be clever makes a startling claim. That, after many experiments based on the widely acknowledged intelligence of cats, he has been able to train a cat to speak. The cat in question happens to be his hostess’s pet cat, Tobermory—whose subsequent chattering turns the assembly of humans topsy-turvy.
Fantasy, yes, but not the sort of fantasy that takes itself very seriously, but which, even while it raises that important question of ‘what-if’ does it in a funny, sarcastic way that speaks volumes of human behaviour.
Deliciously, wickedly funny.
In this brief sketch, set in a country house with its complement of house guests, an odd young man who is vaguely reputed to be clever makes a startling claim. That, after many experiments based on the widely acknowledged intelligence of cats, he has been able to train a cat to speak. The cat in question happens to be his hostess’s pet cat, Tobermory—whose subsequent chattering turns the assembly of humans topsy-turvy.
Fantasy, yes, but not the sort of fantasy that takes itself very seriously, but which, even while it raises that important question of ‘what-if’ does it in a funny, sarcastic way that speaks volumes of human behaviour.
Deliciously, wickedly funny.
October 14, 2011
This slim volume is the classic Saki short story about a cat who learns to talk. As you go along, however, you quickly realize this is a satire on humans, as Tobermory provides cutting remarks to unwary people. Most importantly, it made me realize what I actually say in front of my cat. Obviously, this is a quick read, but a fun one.
This is a Greetings book, which means it comes tied with a ribbon that can then be used as a bookmark and also has a gold band around the book.
Book Season = Spring
This is a Greetings book, which means it comes tied with a ribbon that can then be used as a bookmark and also has a gold band around the book.
Book Season = Spring
March 5, 2017
I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku:
"Every advancement
Faces this withering judge,
Public Vanity."
"Every advancement
Faces this withering judge,
Public Vanity."
January 17, 2018
Primer cuento quebró de Saki, me gustó su estilo pero creo que tendré que leer más para entender porqué era uno de los favoritos de Borges.
May 15, 2020
A super smart little story of a cat, judgement and the secrets of high society.
April 23, 2025
'No one said "Rats," though Clovis's lips moved in a monosyllabic contortion which probably invoked those rodents of disbelief.'
October 23, 2018
Its a 5 minute read. What an intelligent writing, its a comical satire with a speaking cat and a group of people who talk behind each other back. Saki here exposes the hypocrisy of society, her the cat Tobermory acquires the ability to speak and discloses all the group secrets making people highly uncomfortable and shameful. His take on high society parties where people generally appear friendly on your face but in reality bad mouth each other.
In the end, all of them think of as Tobermory as the common enemy and plan to kill him. And he eventually dies. The book has so many layers and deep meaning.
Its a moral tale of hypocrisy, power and class differentiation.
Its a must read. Here is a PDF link if you want to read it.
http://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~karchung/...
Cheers, Happy Reading!
In the end, all of them think of as Tobermory as the common enemy and plan to kill him. And he eventually dies. The book has so many layers and deep meaning.
Its a moral tale of hypocrisy, power and class differentiation.
Its a must read. Here is a PDF link if you want to read it.
http://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~karchung/...
Cheers, Happy Reading!
December 21, 2019
(Audible)
Written by Hector Hugh Munro (Saki) 1870-1916 Tobermory is a short story about a talking cat.
Guests are staying at a country house party. Over dinner one of the guests tells the others that he's perfected a process for teaching animals human speech. When they demand some proof, he demonstrates on the host's semi-feral cat Tobermory.
Charming as the novelty is, the guests soon realize with alarm that the cat knows all their secrets and has no polite filter. The guests agree the cat must be silenced and hatch a plan to poison it. Tobermory, however, avoids the poison but comes to a sad end after a fight with another Tom cat.
Loved the ending of this short story (spoiler)
"Appin is killed shortly afterwards when attempting to teach an elephant in a zoo in Dresden to speak German. His fellow house party guest, Clovis Sangrail (Saki's recurring hero) remarks callously that if he was teaching "the poor beast" irregular German verbs, he deserved no pity."
This is a story of Victorian hypocrisy and forebodes a warning about the danger of surveillance.
Would you want YOUR pets to talk about all they knew of your life?
RECOMMEND
Written by Hector Hugh Munro (Saki) 1870-1916 Tobermory is a short story about a talking cat.
Guests are staying at a country house party. Over dinner one of the guests tells the others that he's perfected a process for teaching animals human speech. When they demand some proof, he demonstrates on the host's semi-feral cat Tobermory.
Charming as the novelty is, the guests soon realize with alarm that the cat knows all their secrets and has no polite filter. The guests agree the cat must be silenced and hatch a plan to poison it. Tobermory, however, avoids the poison but comes to a sad end after a fight with another Tom cat.
Loved the ending of this short story (spoiler)
"Appin is killed shortly afterwards when attempting to teach an elephant in a zoo in Dresden to speak German. His fellow house party guest, Clovis Sangrail (Saki's recurring hero) remarks callously that if he was teaching "the poor beast" irregular German verbs, he deserved no pity."
This is a story of Victorian hypocrisy and forebodes a warning about the danger of surveillance.
Would you want YOUR pets to talk about all they knew of your life?
RECOMMEND
March 23, 2018
It was such a cute and funny story !
First thing I read by this author , will look into his other works.
Tobermory is one my ultimate favourite characters!
His witty remarks to the guests were hilarious.
Though putting all that aside , it was his innocence and honesty that broke through the decit and hypocrisy expressed by the guests .
Who by hiding behind the mask of politeness and civility , schemed and conspired to the demise of others.
In essence they themselves were the beasts in this short story.
First thing I read by this author , will look into his other works.
Tobermory is one my ultimate favourite characters!
His witty remarks to the guests were hilarious.
Though putting all that aside , it was his innocence and honesty that broke through the decit and hypocrisy expressed by the guests .
Who by hiding behind the mask of politeness and civility , schemed and conspired to the demise of others.
In essence they themselves were the beasts in this short story.
July 21, 2019
Teaching a cat to talk - what a charming notion - unless the author of the story is Saki, and then the narrative takes a wickedly malicious turn. Tobermory is one of the best by this master of the comic short story.
October 13, 2020
La última línea me mató jajaja
April 23, 2021
Great short story!
It would be amazing if cats or any animal could talk.
But isn’t it sad how far people will go to hide the truth🤫🐱🗣
It would be amazing if cats or any animal could talk.
But isn’t it sad how far people will go to hide the truth🤫🐱🗣
November 6, 2021
3,5
Ingenioso y mordaz. Negro humor inglés.
Ingenioso y mordaz. Negro humor inglés.
October 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
Este cuento es más reflexivo a mi modo de ver,y básicamente te demuestra que un gran avance,siempre va a encontrar oposición.
Este cuento es más reflexivo a mi modo de ver,y básicamente te demuestra que un gran avance,siempre va a encontrar oposición.
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