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The Dreamer

ICSE · Class 12 · English- Short Stories : Perspectives and Reflections

Quick revision notes for The Dreamer — ICSE Class 12 English- Short Stories : Perspectives and Reflections. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

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Key Topics to Revise

1

About the Author – Saki (Hector Hugh Munro)

  • Full name: Hector Hugh Munro; pen name: Saki
  • Born in 1870 in Akyab, Burma (now Sittwe, Myanmar) during the British colonial period
  • After his mother's death, he was raised by strict and eccentric aunts in England – these relatives inspired many characters in his fiction
2

Plot Summary – Events of the Story

  • The story is set during a sale week at the grand department store Walpurgis and Nettlepink
  • Adela Chemping claims she is not a bargain hunter but attends the sale anyway – showing her self-deception
  • She invites her young nephew Cyprian (not yet eighteen) to accompany her as a helper and parcel-carrier, bribing him with cinema and lunch
3

Character Analysis

  • CYPRIAN: The central character; his name itself hints at something artistic and unconventional; described as carrying 'the wondering look of a dreamer' throughout the story
  • Cyprian's eyes are compared to those of 'a poet or a house agent' – a humorous comparison linking imagination with practical cunning
  • He is simply dressed (sartorial quietude) – quietly blending into any environment
4

Themes of the Story

  • THEME 1 – SATIRE ON CONSUMERISM: Adela's shopping behaviour is a comic exaggeration of impulsive buying; she buys things she doesn't need, forgets what she originally wanted, and justifies unnecessary
  • The store lowering prices is compared to an Archduchess reluctantly catching influenza – this opening simile immediately establishes Saki's mocking tone
  • THEME 2 – SOCIAL CONVENTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: Wearing a hat is a social convention; Cyprian's choice not to wear one subverts expectations and accidentally leads to the comic climax

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

Saki uses irony throughout the storyAdela Chemping and Cyprian are foilsThe hat functions as a powerfulMrsCyprian's behavior throughout the story demonstrates

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The Dreamer for ICSE Class 12 English- Short Stories : Perspectives and Reflections?
The Dreamer covers several key topics that are frequently asked in ICSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in The Dreamer — ICSE Class 12 English- Short Stories : Perspectives and Reflections?
Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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