By smartcubs In Saki’s short story “Fur,” the characters Suzanne and Eleanor are portrayed with distinct traits that drive the narrative and highlight the underlying themes of rivalry, vanity, and social dynamics. Here’s a detailed character sketch of each:
Suzanne
1. Competitive and Envious Suzanne is depicted as highly competitive and envious, particularly towards Eleanor. She is driven by a desire to outshine her rival, and this competitive nature is central to her character. Her actions and decisions are often influenced by her need to maintain social superiority.
2. Manipulative and Cunning Suzanne exhibits manipulative tendencies, using cunning strategies to achieve her goals. She is adept at using her intelligence and social skills to influence others and steer situations to her advantage. This manipulative streak reveals a deeper layer of her character, showcasing her ability to navigate social complexities.
3. Vain and Status-Conscious Vanity is a significant aspect of Suzanne’s personality. She places great importance on her appearance and social status, often going to great lengths to ensure she is perceived as fashionable and sophisticated. Her vanity drives much of the conflict in the story, as it fuels her rivalry with Eleanor.
4. Observant and Calculating Suzanne is highly observant, paying close attention to the actions and appearances of those around her. This trait enables her to be calculating in her interactions, carefully planning her moves to achieve the desired outcomes. Her observant nature allows her to identify opportunities and threats in her social environment.
Eleanor
1. Graceful and Charismatic Eleanor is characterized by her grace and charisma. She carries herself with an elegance that naturally attracts attention and admiration. Her charismatic presence contrasts with Suzanne’s more aggressive approach, highlighting the differences in their personalities and social strategies.
2. Confident and Self-Assured Eleanor exhibits a strong sense of confidence and self-assurance. She is comfortable in her own skin and does not feel the need to compete overtly with Suzanne. This confidence is a source of strength for her, enabling her to maintain her poise even in the face of Suzanne’s schemes.
3. Stylish and Fashionable Like Suzanne, Eleanor is also concerned with her appearance, but her approach is more effortless and natural. She has a keen sense of style and fashion, which contributes to her social appeal. Her fashion sense is an integral part of her identity, reinforcing her status in their social circle.
4. Intelligent and Perceptive Eleanor’s intelligence and perceptiveness are evident in her interactions. She is quick to understand social nuances and can read people’s intentions and emotions effectively. This perceptiveness allows her to navigate the social rivalry with Suzanne with subtlety and tact.
Interaction and Rivalry
The dynamic between Suzanne and Eleanor is central to “Fur.” Their rivalry is marked by a series of strategic moves and countermoves, as each tries to outdo the other in terms of social standing and appearance. This competitive interaction highlights themes of vanity, envy, and the lengths individuals go to maintain their social image.
In “Fur,” Suzanne and Eleanor represent contrasting approaches to social competition and self-presentation. Suzanne’s competitiveness, manipulation, and vanity drive much of the story’s conflict, while Eleanor’s grace, confidence, and perceptiveness offer a counterbalance. Their rivalry not only propels the narrative but also offers a critique of the superficial values often found in social interactions.