1. Irony:
* Situational Irony: The story hinges on the irony of two men trapped together in the woods, forced to rely on each other for survival after a lifetime of bitter feud. Their shared predicament, ironically, gives them the opportunity to reconcile, which they initially refuse.
* Dramatic Irony: The reader is aware of the approaching storm and its potential danger, creating suspense as the men become trapped. We also know that the men are about to be rescued, adding a layer of irony to their continued feud.
2. Symbolism:
* The Forest: Represents the wild, unforgiving nature of the world and the danger lurking within. It also acts as a neutral space where the men's feud is irrelevant, forcing them to confront their shared humanity.
* The Wolfs: The wolf pack's arrival symbolizes the harsh realities of nature and the potential for death. They are also symbolic of the men's own "wolfish" nature, driven by hatred and revenge.
* The Tree: The giant, ancient tree that traps the men represents the long-standing feud between the families. Its fall signifies the potential for change and the breakdown of old barriers.
3. Foreshadowing:
* The Storm: The approaching storm foreshadows the danger and uncertainty that await the men, setting the stage for the unexpected events that unfold.
* Ulrich's "last enemy" statement: Ulrich's statement about the forest being his last enemy foreshadows his eventual death.
* The "interlopers": The title itself foreshadows the men's entrapment and the intrusion of the "true" interlopers – the wolves.
4. Atmosphere and Setting:
* The Dark and Stormy Setting: The ominous atmosphere created by the dark forest and the impending storm adds to the sense of suspense and danger.
* The Contrast Between the Natural World and Human Conflict: The beauty of the forest and the harshness of the men's feud create a stark contrast, highlighting the absurdity of their conflict.
5. Imagery and Sensory Details:
* The "giant, gnarled tree": The description of the tree emphasizes its power and age, emphasizing the length of the feud between the families.
* The "heavy, oppressive stillness" of the forest: This imagery creates a sense of foreboding and anticipation of danger.
* The "sweet smell of pine needles" and "damp earth": These sensory details help to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
6. Themes:
* Revenge and Forgiveness: The story explores the destructive nature of revenge and the possibility of forgiveness even in the face of bitter hatred.
* Pride and Prejudice: The men's pride in their families and their deep-seated prejudices prevent them from seeing the folly of their feud.
* The Ironic Nature of Fate: The story highlights the unpredictable nature of fate and the irony of the men's situation. Their attempt to resolve their feud is ultimately thwarted by the very forces they feared.
By expertly employing these literary devices, Saki crafts a powerful and thought-provoking tale that continues to resonate with readers today.