Saki as Dauphin of the Wildean Witticism

Abstract

Saki and Wilde are often compared in biographical articles or book reviews, and the direct point of the comparison is their use of aphoristic humour. However, one notices that only one of these two authors is quoted regularly. This study attempts a considered comparison of the two authors on the basis of their terse commentaries, here called witticisms. It offers a more in-depth look at Saki, considering him as the “underdog” in the comparison. The article begins with basic information, including a brief explanation of the use of the term “witticism,” in keeping with humour studies practices. It then proceeds with theoretical considerations of humour and English culture, and ends with detailed analysis of some of each author’s productions. The final conclusion is twofold: first, that Wilde’s witticisms are more quoted because they can be more easily detached from their context; second, that Wilde produces more of the type of witticism that Saki produces, but these remain unquoted, for the same reason as Saki’s.