Themes: Class Conflict
Ulrich von Gradwitz may be seen as a representative of the old Prussian Junker aristocracy that had consolidated great estates in Central Europe over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. By the early twentieth century, many individual members of this class, such as Paul von Hindenburg, who led the Imperial German Army, were still powerful, but the class as a whole was declining due to its dependence on land at a time when commerce and industry were the leading sources of wealth.
In literature, family feuds are often presented as aristocratic affairs. Readers naturally think of the Montagues and the Capulets in Romeo and Juliet or the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. By contrast, “The Interlopers” features a feud between an aristocrat, Ulrich, and a less-wealthy landowner, Georg. Georg, however, is still a landowner and has his own troop of foresters to back him up. His family’s feud with the Gradwitz family has elevated his social status, since people now mention the two families in the same breath: paradoxically, their animosity links them together.
This petty squabbling over status does not quite come to an end, even when both men are placed literally on the same level, pinned to the ground by a falling tree. Indeed, even when they are reconciled, each hopes his men will arrive first—not to secure his safety but so he can make the grand gesture of freeing the other. It is only the arrival of the wolves that puts all such competitive thoughts permanently out of their minds.
Expert Q&A
What motivates Ulrich's change of heart in "The Interlopers"? Is this change due to internal or external conflict?
Ulrich's change of heart in "The Interlopers" is driven by both external and internal conflicts. Initially, an external conflict arises when a tree traps him and his enemy, Georg, during a storm. As they lie helpless, Ulrich experiences an internal conflict, reassessing their feud's futility. This introspection leads him to propose friendship, resolving their internal strife. However, the external conflict with nature remains unresolved as wolves approach.
In "The Interlopers," why is Ulrich angry at Georg for trespassing on worthless land?
Ulrich's anger at Georg for trespassing on the seemingly worthless land stems from a long-standing family feud over its ownership. Despite the land's lack of value, the dispute between their families has persisted for generations, fueled by jealousy and personal ill-will. Both men have inherited this animosity and pride, leading to deep-seated hatred that is more about family honor than the land itself. Ultimately, their feud is about personal pride and inherited bitterness.
Why has the family feud in "The Interlopers" lasted three generations and why don't Ulrich and Georg resolve it?
The family feud in "The Interlopers" has lasted three generations because the von Gradwitz and Znaeym families have perpetuated hostilities since a land dispute began with Ulrich's grandfather. Ulrich and Georg do not resolve it because they are initially driven by inherited animosity. However, when they confront each other, Ulrich hesitates to kill Georg, reflecting a conflict between his hatred and his sense of decency. Their enmity is interrupted when a tree traps them, leading to a mutual truce.
Conflict Analysis in "The Interlopers"
In Saki's "The Interlopers," the main conflicts are man versus man and man versus nature. Ulrich and Georg's families have feuded over a piece of land for generations, leading to mutual hatred. This conflict resolves when they are trapped under a fallen tree and decide to end their feud, offering each other friendship. However, the man versus nature conflict remains unresolved as they await rescue, only to face a pack of wolves, highlighting nature's ultimate dominance.
The conflict and events surrounding the two men in the disputed territory in "The Interlopers."
The conflict in "The Interlopers" centers on Ulrich von Gradwitz and Georg Znaeym, who have a long-standing feud over a piece of forestland. Both men claim ownership and confront each other in the disputed territory. During their encounter, a tree falls and traps them together, forcing them to reconsider their hostility and ultimately leading to an unexpected and ironic ending.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Feud in "The Interlopers" by Saki
The feud in "The Interlopers" by Saki stems from a generations-old land dispute between the Gradwitz and Znaeym families. Ulrich von Gradwitz and Georg Znaeym continue the bitter rivalry over a narrow strip of forestland, which both families claim ownership of, leading to deep-seated animosity and a desire for revenge.
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