Question

"Pride goes before a fall". Justify the statement on basis of the chapter Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger.

Answer 1

Pride or vanity is reason that drives man to move ahead of others ensuing ego. The character of Mrs. Packletide was very selfish and greedy for more. Saki portrays her vain ambition of outshining Loona Bimberton which entails her shame, embarrassment, and financial loss. She is left with nothing but regret and remorse.

The writer has beautifully underlined the point that vain people like her don't get anything useful in their lives. Even their endeavours are vain and bear no sweet fruit. On the contrary, they have to bear loss on all fronts. So, our character should be sans vanity or pride. As it is rightly observed that a flames bulges and blows bright before it tapers off. Some ethics and moral values should be nurtured to dissuade us from vain pursuits as a major portion of human beings suffer from the ill of being vain. One should realise that pride is bound to meet frustration and dejection.