"The Interlopers" by Saki - The Story Flashcards
Where does the story take place?
“In a forest of mixed growth somewhere on the eastern spurs of the Carpathians”
Whose family won possession of the disputed land in the lawsuit?
The von Gradwitz family. Ulrich’s grandfather won the “famous lawsuit.”
What can you infer about the characters from their unwillingness to compromise?
Both characters are stubborn and somewhat arrogant in their inability to compromise.
At the beginning of the story, what is Ulrich’s wish?
Ulrich wants to find George poaching on his land, so he can be alone with him with no witnesses.
What happens to the two men when the tree falls?
The beech tree pins both men down, leaving them injured and helpless until someone comes to rescue them.
What is each man’s hope for rescue?
For their men to seek them out and find them.
In what condition does the fallen tree leave each man?
Ulrich: One arm numb beneath him and the other held in a tangle of branches. Both legs pinned beneath the tree, twigs had slashed the skin of his face.
Georg: “Alive and struggling”, helplessly pinned down, nearly blinded with blood trickling across his eyes.
Why do the men decide to end their feud?
They had foolishly “quarreled like devils” their whole lives, and decided there are better things in life than getting the better of a boundary dispute.
What are some dangers the characters might face in a setting like this one?
They could freeze, starve, die of thirst, or get eaten by animals like wolves.
Why was Ulrich not able to shoot at Georg when given the opportunity?
Because of the “code of a restraining civilization”, which prohibits shooting someone without warning or words exchanged.
What does Ulrich offer to share with Znaeym while awaiting rescue?
A flask of wine.
What is Ulrich hunting?
Ulrich is hunting for Georg Znaeym.
What do the men do in an attempt to attract attention?
Yell for help.
Who are the main characters of the story?
- Ulrich von Gradwitz
- Georg Znaeym
What is the weather like?
Cold, stormy, and windy.
How long has the land dispute lasted for?
3 generations.
How does Georg respond to Ulrich’s offer of wine?
He was hesitant and shocked.
Georg also says that he does not drink wine with an enemy.
What do the figures that Ulrich spots coming towards them turn out to be? How many?
9 or 10 Wolves.
What type of tree fell on the pair
A beech tree