The Toys Of Peace

A Humorous Tale by Saki

Author - Saki
H.H. Munro
18 December 1870 – 14 November 1916

Born in Burma under the British Empire

Short stint in the police; later, a journalist
Known by the pen name "Saki"
Famous for surprise endings, blending comedy and savagery
"The Toys of Peace" satirizes Edwardian England
Overview
- Humorous narrative by Saki (Hector Hugh Munro)
- Explores the attempt to reform children's playthings
- Addresses the National Peace Council's objection to traditional war-
related toys
- Proposes an alternative of "peace toys" to discourage violence
- Set against the backdrop of the Children's Welfare Exhibition at
Olympia
- Highlights Saki's satirical commentary on societal attitudes toward war
and peace
 National Peace
Council's Proposal
Objectives:
•Discourage traditional war-related toys for children
•Redirect children's play towards peaceful themes
Concerns raised:
•Grave objections to encouraging primitive instincts
•Proposal for an exhibition of "peace toys" at the Children's Welfare Exhibition
Alternative suggestions:
•Miniature civilians instead of soldiers
•Ploughs, tools of industry, and civic structures in place of guns and forts
•Hope for manufacturers to adopt the idea for toy production
Characters
and Setting Main Characters:
• Harvey and Eleanor Bope
Setting:
• Easter, the Children's Welfare Exhibition at
Olympia
Objective:
• Inaugurate an experiment with "peace toys"
Challenges:
• Balancing primitive instincts and hereditary
tendencies
Age of Impressionability:
• Bertie (9.5 years old) and Eric (11 years old)
Unpacking the
Peace Toys
• Easter Saturday: Harvey Bope unpacks a promising red cardboard
box
• Anticipation among the children
• Crinkly paper shavings – a sign of exciting toys
• Unveiling unconventional toys:
• Municipal wash-houses
• Bakehouses
• Civilian figures instead of soldiers
• Initial reactions and expectations of Albanian soldiery and Somali
camel-corps
Children's Reaction
•Fort or Palace of the Mpret of Albania?
•Harvey's redirection: Municipal dust-bin for refuse collection
•Introduction of civilian figures:
•John Stuart Mill, a distinguished civilian
•Model of the Manchester branch of the Young Women's
Christian Association
•Eric's hopeful question about lions and disappointment
•Bertie's expressive grunt, questioning tastes
 Challenges and Concerns
Consideration of Primitive Instincts:
•Henry's doubt about primitive instincts and hereditary tendencies
•Mention of a great-uncle's intolerant fighting and a great-grandfather's hothouse
smashing
Impressionable Age:
•Acknowledgment that the children are at an impressionable age
Balancing Reform and Realism:
•Harvey's acknowledgment of the interesting and well-meaning idea
•Doubts about practical success
Importance of Early Intervention:
•Realization that the experiment might have begun too late
The Failed Experiment
• Outcome of the Easter experiment
• Acknowledgment of the experiment's
failure
• Reflection on the timing: "We have begun
too late"
• Implications for the attempt to shift
children's play preferences
• Importance of early intervention in
shaping children's attitudes and behaviors
Saki's Satirical Commentary
• Analyzing Saki's satirical approach:
• Mocking the National Peace Council's proposal
• Irony in the children's unexpected use of "peace toys"
• Subtle critique of societal attitudes toward war and peace
• Blending of comedy and savagery in Saki's storytelling
• Highlighting the humor in the story's resolution
• Encouraging a deeper reflection on the narrative's underlying
message
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points:
•National Peace Council's proposal
•The experiment with "peace toys"
•Challenges and concerns
•The failed outcome and its implications
•Saki's satirical commentary
Overall Reflection:
•The balance between reforming playthings and recognizing inherent tendencies
•Importance of early intervention in shaping children's perspectives
•Invitation to Further Discussion:
•Open the floor for questions and reflections from the audience
Thank you