Mike Clinton
Introduction to "The Interloper"
"The Interloper" is a short story written by Saki, which was first published in the Westminster Gazette in 1910. The story is set in the Carpathian Mountains, where two rival families, the Gradwitz and the Znaeym, have been engaged in a bitter feud for generations. The events of the story unfold one evening when Ulrich von Gradwitz, while out hunting in the forest, encounters his long-time enemy, Georg Znaeym. The two men become trapped under a fallen tree, and as they wait for rescue, they start to re-evaluate their hatred for each other.
Definition of protagonist
The protagonist is the main character in a story who is faced with a conflict or problem that they must resolve. The protagonist is often the character who drives the plot forward and undergoes a significant change or development throughout the story. In some cases, there may be more than one protagonist, or the protagonist may be a group of characters working together towards a common goal.
Analysis of characters in the story
In "The Interloper," there are two main characters, Ulrich von Gradwitz and Georg Znaeym, both of whom come from rival families. Ulrich is described as a wealthy landowner who is determined to uphold his family’s honor by protecting their property from the Znaeym family. Georg is portrayed as a hot-headed and impulsive man who is equally committed to his family’s cause. The two men are at odds with each other throughout the story, and their animosity towards each other has been passed down through generations of their families.
Factors to consider when identifying protagonist
When identifying the protagonist in a story, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the protagonist should be the character who undergoes the most significant change or development throughout the story. Secondly, they should be the character who drives the plot forward and is involved in the central conflict of the story. Thirdly, the protagonist should be the character whose actions have the most significant impact on the outcome of the story.
First candidate for protagonist: Ulrich von Gradwitz
Ulrich von Gradwitz is a strong candidate for protagonist in "The Interloper." Throughout the story, Ulrich is the character who drives the plot forward and is involved in the central conflict with Georg Znaeym. He is also the character who undergoes the most significant change, as he begins to re-evaluate his hatred towards Georg and even considers ending the feud between their families. Additionally, Ulrich’s actions have a significant impact on the outcome of the story, as he is the one who ultimately decides to call for help and save both himself and Georg.
Second candidate for protagonist: Georg Znaeym
Georg Znaeym is also a strong candidate for protagonist in "The Interloper." Like Ulrich, he is involved in the central conflict with the Gradwitz family and drives the plot forward. Georg is also a character who undergoes significant change, as he too begins to question the feud between their families and shows remorse for his past actions. Additionally, his actions have a significant impact on the outcome of the story, as he is the one who initially suggests that they put their differences aside and work together to escape.
Comparison of Ulrich and Georg’s roles in the story
Ulrich and Georg’s roles in the story are both significant, and it is challenging to determine who the protagonist is definitively. Ulrich is the character who ultimately makes the decision to call for help and saves both himself and Georg, but Georg is the one who initially suggests that they put their differences aside and work together. Both characters undergo significant change and development throughout the story and are equally involved in the central conflict. Ultimately, it is up to the reader to decide who they believe the protagonist is.
Conclusion: Who is the protagonist?
After analyzing the characters and their roles in the story, it is difficult to determine who the protagonist is definitively. Both Ulrich von Gradwitz and Georg Znaeym are strong candidates, as they both drive the plot forward, undergo significant change, and are involved in the central conflict. However, it could be argued that Ulrich is the protagonist, as he is the character who ultimately decides to call for help and saves both himself and Georg.
Importance of identifying the protagonist in the story
Identifying the protagonist is essential in understanding the central conflict and the themes of the story. The protagonist is often the character who is most invested in the conflict and who undergoes significant change or development. By identifying the protagonist, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and message.
Final thoughts on "The Interloper"
"The Interloper" is a thought-provoking short story that explores the destructive nature of feuds and the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation. The story’s ambiguous ending allows for multiple interpretations, and the question of who the protagonist is adds an additional layer of complexity. Overall, "The Interloper" is a well-crafted and engaging story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.