# The Almanac explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Saki.

## What happens

Vera Durmot proposes to Clovis the idea of compiling a local almanac of vague, safe predictions to make a comfortable income. They discuss various forecasts that are likely to come true, such as servant troubles, bad luck at golf, and a vicar's sermon. The almanac is a success, with most predictions fulfilling themselves or being interpreted as such. However, Vera worries about a specific prediction regarding Jocelyn Vanner's safety in the hunting field, which has not come true. Clovis later fabricates a story about being involved in a Balkan revolution and carrying compromising documents, warning Jocelyn that a mysterious man is after him and might target her as well. Frightened, Jocelyn flees into the undergrowth, and the incident boosts the almanac's sales.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Moral Facade

Vera and Clovis discuss making predictions that are deliberately vague and safe, exploiting people's credulity for profit, while maintaining a facade of prophetic insight.

### The Absurdity of Social Rituals

The almanac's predictions cater to trivial social concerns like servant troubles and golf luck, and Clovis's elaborate lie about a revolution satirizes the drama of hunting field gossip.

## Character check-ins

### Vera Durmot

Proposes the idea of a local almanac and discusses its predictions with Clovis.

### Clovis Sangrail

Engages in conversation with Vera about the almanac and later fabricates a story to frighten Jocelyn Vanner.

### Jocantha Bessbury

Mentioned as Jocelyn Vanner, the subject of a failed prediction; later frightened by Clovis's story.

## Key lines

> Has it ever struck you that one might make a comfortable income by compiling a local almanac, on prophetic lines, like those that the general public buy by the half million?

Vera asks Clovis if he has considered making money by creating a local almanac with predictions, similar to popular ones sold in large quantities.

_Vera introduces the central idea of the chapter._

> I should begin with the prediction that the vicar would preach a moving New Year sermon from a text in Colossians; he has always done so since I can remember, and at his time of life men dislike change.

Vera plans to start the almanac with a safe prediction about the vicar's annual sermon, knowing he never varies his routine.

_Illustrates Vera's strategy of making predictions that are almost certain to come true._

> I couldn't risk being very definite about any particular event; as it is I have rather tied myself up over Jocelyn Vanner.

Vera admits she avoided specific predictions but made a mistake with one about Jocelyn Vanner's safety.

_Shows Vera's concern about the almanac's reputation when a prediction fails._

> Do you see that man over there, on the roan? That man was outside my aunt's house when I escorted the princess to her carriage.

Clovis points to a stranger and claims he has been following him since his involvement in a Balkan revolution.

_Clovis begins his fabricated story to frighten Jocelyn._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_49_se/chapters/the-almanac
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_49_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_49_se/chapters