Dusk by H.H. Munro (Saki)

Question

Analyze the story's ending. How does the ending affect the story's theme?

a. It introduces an entirely new theme to the story
b. It makes the story's theme ambiguous
c. It reveals the author's confusion about the theme
d. It reinforces a theme that the author established earlier

Answer 1

The ending of "Dusk" by H.H. Munro (Saki) reinforces a theme that the author established earlier, making option d the most accurate choice.

Throughout the story, themes of social class, deception, and the complexity of human behavior are explored, especially through the interactions between the characters. The protagonist, a seemingly naive character, finds himself in a situation that reveals the deceptive nature of others and the duality of appearances.

The ending ties these themes together by showcasing how perceptions can be misleading and how individuals can manipulate situations to their advantage. This culmination enhances the reader's understanding of the overarching message about human nature and societal interactions. Thus, the ending acts as a reinforcement of the established themes rather than introducing new ones or creating ambiguity.