# The Feast of Nemesis explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Saki.

## What happens

Clovis proposes to his aunt, Mrs. Thackenbury, the idea of a 'Nemesis Day'—a day dedicated to expressing vindictiveness toward those one dislikes, in contrast to the forced goodwill of Christmas and other holidays. He suggests various mischievous acts, such as digging up a neighbor's tennis court, losing a disliked guest's lunch on a picnic, or luring Waldo Plubley into a wasp-infested hammock. Mrs. Thackenbury is initially hesitant but begins to see the appeal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Moral Facade

Clovis critiques the artificiality of Christmas goodwill and proposes a day for honest expression of dislike.

### The Absurdity of Social Rituals

The conversation highlights the ridiculousness of forced holiday cheer and the potential for a ritualized day of revenge.

### Cruelty and Violence

Clovis's suggestions involve playful but cruel pranks, such as luring Waldo into a wasp nest.

## Character check-ins

### Clovis Sangrail

Proposes the concept of Nemesis Day and suggests elaborate, vindictive pranks.

### Mrs. Thackenbury

Clovis's aunt; initially complains about holiday obligations but becomes intrigued by the idea of a day for settling grudges.

### Waldo Plubley

Mentioned as a target for a wasp-related prank; described as coddling himself and 'enormously improved by death.'

### Agnes Blaik

Mentioned as a greedy guest who could be lost before lunch on a picnic.

## Key lines

> There is no outlet for demonstrating your feelings towards people whom you simply loathe. That is really the crying need of our modern civilisation.

Society lacks a sanctioned way to express hatred, which is a major deficiency.

_Clovis argues for a day dedicated to expressing dislike._

> You wouldn’t find any truffles but you would find a great peace, such as no amount of present-giving could ever bestow.

The act of vandalizing a neighbor's lawn would bring more satisfaction than any gift.

_Clovis describes the emotional reward of a vengeful act._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_49_se/chapters/the-feast-of-nemesis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_49_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_49_se/chapters