# The Dreamer explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Saki.

## What happens

Adela Chemping takes her nephew Cyprian on a shopping expedition during a sale at Walpurgis and Nettlepink's. Cyprian, a dreamy boy who goes hatless, is mistaken for a shop assistant and sells a handbag to a customer, much to his aunt's dismay.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Absurdity of Social Rituals

The shopping expedition and the social expectations around hats and behavior highlight the absurdity of social rituals.

### Imagination vs. Reality

Cyprian's dreamy perspective contrasts with the mundane reality of bargain hunting, and he creatively navigates the situation by impersonating a shop assistant.

## Character check-ins

### Cyprian

The dreamy nephew who accompanies his aunt shopping and is mistaken for a shop assistant.

### Adela Pingsford

Aunt Adela Chemping, who takes Cyprian shopping and is scandalized by his hatless state.

## Key lines

> I’m not a bargain hunter, but I like to go where bargains are.

Adela Chemping claims she is not a bargain hunter, yet she is drawn to places where bargains are available.

_Highlights her self-deception and the social pretense around shopping._

> If one hasn’t got a hat on one can’t take it off.

Cyprian explains that without a hat, he avoids the inconvenience of doffing it while carrying parcels.

_Shows his practical, dreamy logic that defies social convention._

## Links

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