The Phoenix Dichotomy

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Throughout the literary works of Sredni Vashtar and The Phoenix, Saki and Warner both utilize strategic plot structure to convey the idea of natural justice. Though there are a myriad of structural and literary differences between the pieces, both progress to a finale that culminates in a grandiose deliverance of a macabre justice by means of a pivotal figure of nature. In addition, both pieces flesh out the relationship between man and nature, the dichotomy of the primitive and civilized. Saki’s magnum opus Sredni Vashtar centers around the saturnine life of a sickly young boy named Conradin, whose only solace is found in his faith of “Sredni Vashtar,” a mere ferret lionized to a great state of apotheosis. Conversely, Warner’s The Phoenix…show more content…
In contrast to Sredni Vashtar, Warner begins by describing the majesty of The Phoenix, the tone free from Conradin’s nightmarish depression. Additionally, this strategic decision serves to set up a tonal dichotomy, as The Phoenix is stripped of its beauty as the story progresses. “So Lord Strawberry’s executors closed with the higher offer of Mr. Tancred Poldero, owner and proprietor of Poldero’s Wizard Wonderworld.” (Warner 4). The introduction of Mr. Poldero is also a point of polarity. Lord Strawberry is described as a man who appreciates the beauty of his vast collection of birds, sparing no expense for the sake of their comfort. Conversely, Mr. Poldero is described as the owner and proprietor of his own business, who views The Phoenix as an investment rather than a living creature. “Then we’d have a new bird, and a bird with some romance about it, a bird with a life story. We could sell a bird like that.” (Warner 10). Mr. Poldero’s bold plan regarding the bird soon brings another point of divergence to The Phoenix. Where Sredni Vashtar was a macabrely woeful tale of a young boy who is “saved” from a figure of the natural world. In contrast, The Phoenix is similarly woeful, but describes an animal antagonized by the greed of man. Furthermore, Warner brings an intriguing social commentary to the table regarding man’s destruction of nature in search of money. “Daily he stationed himself in front of the cage to jeer at the bird and abuse it.” (Warner 13). Warner continues to vilify Poldero through his disparaging degradation of the bird’s majesty, anxiously building to the story’s satisfying finale. Though similar to Saki’s gradual compilation of sorrow and injustice, Warner describes Poldero’s abuse of the bird as a sort of predatory act. Contrarily, Saki’s predator and prey are both human, with the nature
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