[left]The stalled Ox
1) what does the ox symbolize ? and how do Adela and Eshley understand it ?
In Saki’s “ The Stalled Ox ” , the ox has a significant meaning . It symbolizes the destructive energy , power and sexual desire. This story reveals that man can achieve great things if he knows how to make use of his energy or libido . Adela is a conservative woman who puts everything under control including her desires. She is unable to enjoy her life or to improve it. She only cares about her garden and her house. On the other hand, Eshley is a painter and he has a liberal mind. He knows how to enjoy his life, improve it and make use of chances. She wants him to get the ox out of her house. She sees the ox as a dangerous animal, while he sees it through the eyes of a painter. He brings his tools to draw the ox in Adela’s bedroom. He knows that he is going to draw something strange. His painting really makes him a famous cattle painter.
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2) Discuss irony and making use of chances?
Irony in Saki’s “The Stalled Ox” appears as there is a disparity and conflict between two things. Adela wants Eshley to get the ox out of her house, but he brings his tools to draw the ox. He sees a good chance for a good future. He wants to draw a strange painting. Eshley is somehow selfish as he wants to make use of Adela’s misfortune. Still, He is better than her as he can enjoy his life and improve it. She is conservative while he has a liberal mind. Eshley is so cool while Adela is hot-tempered; they are like water and fire. So irony comes through this clash. At the end, Eshley becomes a famous cattle painter.
Glossary
Libido = sexual desire الشهوة الجنسية
Conservative woman امرأة محافظة
cattle الماشية
disparity مفارقة
clash تعارض ، تضارب
(The End )
