The Interlopers Summary and Key Themes
“The Interlopers” by Saki, a pseudonym for British writer H. H. Munro, is a masterful short story that intertwines nature, human morals, and societal critiques, particularly of the elite classes. Saki’s trademark is his skillful use of twist endings, and this story is a classic example of that.
Full Summary
Set in the stormy, winter-bound Carpathian Mountains, the story opens with Ulrich von Gradwitz patrolling a forest.
This is no ordinary patrol; Ulrich is on a mission to confront his lifelong enemy, Georg Znaeym. The root of their enmity lies in a generations-old family feud over land ownership, which the court settled in the von Gradwitz family’s favor.
However, the Znaeym family never accepted this verdict, leading to decades of bitter disputes and confrontations, culminating in this fateful night.
As Ulrich tracks through the forest, he notices that the usually dormant nocturnal animals, including roebucks, are unusually active—a sign he interprets as Georg’s presence in the area.
His intuition proves correct when he encounters Georg beside a large beech tree. The moment is tense; years of hatred and rivalry hang in the air. Both men understand that to kill the other without a word would be dishonorable. But before either can act, nature intervenes.
A massive branch from the tree crashes down, pinning them both.
Trapped, injured, and helpless, Ulrich and Georg are forced into an uneasy proximity. Initially, they trade threats and mock each other, but as time wears on, something changes.
Ulrich, moved by pity and a sudden realization of the futility of their feud, offers Georg a drink from his wine flask. Though Georg initially refuses, Ulrich’s gesture plants a seed of reconciliation.
Gradually, Ulrich’s idea of friendship and ending the feud takes root in Georg’s mind too.
They envision a future where they are no longer enemies but allies, shocking their community with a newfound camaraderie.
In a heartwarming turn, Georg accepts Ulrich’s hand of friendship, imagining joint holiday celebrations and a peaceful coexistence.
As they wait for rescue, their hopes shift.
They no longer wish for their men to arrive first to harm the other but to save and honor their new friend.
When the wind calms, they shout together for help, seeing figures approach.
However, the story delivers its final, chilling twist: the figures aren’t their men, but a pack of wolves. Saki’s narrative leaves the reader pondering the ironies of nature, fate, and human conflict.
Key Themes
1. The Futility and Destructiveness of Feuds and Conflicts
“The Interlopers” delves deeply into the destructive nature of longstanding feuds, particularly those passed down through generations.
The story vividly portrays how the grudge between Ulrich von Gradwitz and Georg Znaeym, rooted in a legal dispute over land ownership, escalates to a personal and consuming hatred. This animosity blinds them to the potential for peace and mutual coexistence.
The narrative illustrates how such conflicts, often based on pride or inherited grievances, can lead to a wasteful expenditure of energy and resources, and, ultimately, to tragic consequences.
The story emphasizes the senselessness of such feuds, as the protagonists’ epiphany about the possibility of reconciliation comes only when they are forced into a vulnerable and helpless situation, illustrating the pointless loss of time and opportunity for harmony.
2. The Power of Nature and Its Indifference to Human Struggles
Saki uses the setting of the Carpathian forest and the harsh winter storm to emphasize the formidable and indifferent power of nature.
The story serves as a reminder of humanity’s vulnerability in the face of natural forces. The critical moment where a tree branch traps both Ulrich and Georg symbolizes nature’s random and uncontrollable power, indifferent to human disputes and egos.
This theme is further reinforced by the portrayal of wildlife in the story, which reacts instinctively to the storm, unlike the protagonists, who are guided by human emotions and conflicts.
The ending, with the arrival of wolves, underscores the ultimate supremacy and unpredictability of nature over human affairs.
3. Transformation and Redemption through Compassion and Understanding
Initially, Ulrich and Georg are depicted as embodiments of inherited hatred and rivalry. However, their shared predicament leads to a gradual shift in their perspectives.
Ulrich’s offer of wine to Georg, and his subsequent proposition of peace, initiates a change in their relationship. This act of compassion and the ensuing dialogue open a pathway to mutual understanding and the realization of the futility of their feud.
The story suggests that empathy and kindness can break down even the most entrenched barriers of enmity, offering a chance for redemption and the transformation of relationships.
Final Thoughts
“The Interlopers” is a tale where Saki masterfully uses irony and a surprise ending to challenge the reader’s expectations and underscore the unpredictable nature of life.
The story serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change and how often external forces, like nature, can disrupt human plans and conflicts.
It’s a compelling commentary on the transient nature of human enmity and the profound impact of empathy and understanding in resolving deep-seated disputes.