Answer:
In Laura by Saki we have the theme of freedom, reincarnation, conformity, acceptance, revenge, mortality and connection.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Laura by Saki we have the theme of freedom, reincarnation, conformity, acceptance, revenge, mortality and connection. Taken from his The Complete Short Stories collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realises that Saki may be exploring the theme of freedom. Laura is a naturally free spirit something that is noticeable by the fact that she likes to make her own rules about how she should live her life. However one noticeable constant in Laura’s life is the fact that she likes to seek revenge on those who have injured her personally. Something that is noticeable when it comes to Egbert. She will not allow him to get the better of her. Which may be important as there is a sense that Laura is challenging the status quo that may have existed at the time the story was written between men and women. To Laura her actions are games to irritate Egbert but to Egbert they are a little more personal and malicious. Though it is very much left to the reader to decide upon which character they support. Many might side with Egbert and as such may be supporting conformity while others who side with Laura may forgive her for her actions and realise that she is indeed a free spirit. The end of the story is also interesting as Amanda is in total shock (seriously ill) and considering that she believes that the Nubian boy is the second reincarnation of Laura. It is as though everything Laura has said to Amanda has come true. At least in Amanda’s eyes and Laura remains true to character and seeks to annoy Egbert. Something which may leave many readers to suggest that there is indeed a life after one dies. That reincarnation is a possibility. Though some critics may dispute this. However what has occurred is very real to Amanda. Any beliefs she may have had to the contrary when it came to the matter of reincarnation are sure to have been replaced with a strong belief that one can relive their life in a different form. Be it as an animal or as the opposite sex. Which may be the point that Saki is attempting to make. He may be suggesting that an individual should never give up on life and any form it may take. Just as Laura has not given up on bringing havoc into Egbert’s life.