Sredni Vashtar

Sredni Vashtar is a short story written by Saki (H. H. Munro) and first published in 1911.

The story follows Conradin, a sickly ten-year-old boy who lives under the strict care of his domineering cousin, Mrs. De Ropp. Feeling oppressed and deprived of happiness, he creates a secret world in an abandoned toolshed, where he keeps a ferret named Sredni Vashtar and worships the animal as a powerful god.

When Mrs. De Ropp begins interfering with Conradin's few remaining pleasures, his resentment grows. After she discovers the hidden ferret and enters the shed intending to get rid of it, Conradin desperately prays for Sredni Vashtar to help him. The ferret attacks and kills his guardian before escaping into the garden.

Rather than showing grief or surprise, Conradin calmly prepares himself a piece of toast while the household discovers what has happened. The darkly humorous ending emphasizes the story's themes of oppression, revenge, imagination, and liberation.

"CONRADIN was ten years old, and the doctor had pronounced his professional opinion that the boy would not live another five years. The doctor was silky and effete, and counted for little, but his opinion was endorsed by Mrs. de Ropp, who counted for nearly everything. "