The Dreamer

Saki uses irony throughout the story

Saki uses irony throughout the story to critique societal norms. The greatest irony lies in Cyprian's successful role-playing as a shop assistant—Mrs.

Adela Chemping and Cyprian are foils

Adela Chemping and Cyprian are foils to each other. Adela represents conventional society—she claims to be above bargain hunting yet attends sales, bu

The hat functions as a powerful

The hat functions as a powerful symbol throughout the story. In Edwardian society, wearing a hat was essential to respectability and marked one's soci

Mrs

Mrs. Chemping's shopping behavior reveals Saki's critique of consumer culture. She buys items she doesn't need (seven chrysanthemum vases for future g

Cyprian's behavior throughout the story demonstrates

Cyprian's behavior throughout the story demonstrates passive resistance—he doesn't actively rebel but rather allows events to unfold naturally while m