The Open Window by HH Munro | The Open Window by Saki | The Open Window – Easy Literary Lessons
The Open Window
“My aunt will be down presently, Mr. Nuttel,” said a very self-possessed young lady of fifteen; “in the meantime you must try and put up with me.”
Framton Nuttel endeavored to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come. Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits on a succession of total strangers would do much towards helping the nerve cure which he was supposed to be undergoing
“I know how it will be,” his sister had said when he was preparing to migrate to this rural retreat; “you will bury yourself down there and not speak to a living soul, and your nerves will be worse than ever from moping. I shall just give you letters of introduction to all the people I know there. Some of them, as far as I can remember, were quite nice.”
Framton wondered whether Mrs. Sappleton, the lady to whom he was presenting one of the letters of introduction came into the nice division.
“Do you know many of the people round here?” asked the niece, when she judged that they had had sufficient silent communion.
“Hardly a soul,” said Framton. “My sister was staying here, at the rectory, you know, some four years ago, and she gave me letters of introduction to some of the people here.”
He made the last statement in a tone of distinct regret.
“Then you know practically nothing about my aunt?” pursued the self-possessed young lady.
“Only her name and address,” admitted the caller. He was wondering whether Mrs. Sappleton was in the married or widowed state. An undefinable something about the room seemed to suggest masculine habitation.
“Her great tragedy happened just three years ago,” said the child; “that would be since your sister’s time.”
“Her tragedy?” asked Framton; somehow in this restful country spot tragedies seemed out of place.
“You may wonder why we keep that window wide open on an October afternoon,” said the niece, indicating a large French window that opened on to a lawn.
“It is quite warm for the time of the year,” said Framton; “but has that window got anything to do with the tragedy?”
“Out through that window, three years ago to a day, her husband and her two young brothers went off for their day’s shooting. They never came back. In crossing the moor to their favorite snipe-shooting ground they were all three engulfed in a treacherous piece of bog. It had been that dreadful wet summer, you know, and places that were safe in other years gave way suddenly without warning. Their bodies were never recovered. That was the dreadful part of it.” Here the child’s voice lost its self-possessed note and became falteringly human. “Poor aunt always thinks that they will come back someday, they and the little brown spaniel that was lost with them, and walk in at that window just as they used to do. That is why the window is kept open every evening till it is quite dusk. Poor dear aunt, she has often told me how they went out, her husband with his white waterproof coat over his arm, and Ronnie, her youngest brother, singing ‘Bertie, why do you bound?’ as he always did to tease her, because she said it got on her nerves. Do you know, sometimes on still, quiet evenings like this, I almost get a creepy feeling that they will all walk in through that window–“
She broke off with a little shudder. It was a relief to Framton when the aunt bustled into the room with a whirl of apologies for being late in making her appearance.
“I hope Vera has been amusing you?” she said.
“She has been very interesting,” said Framton.
“I hope you don’t mind the open window,” said Mrs. Sappleton briskly; “my husband and brothers will be home directly from shooting, and they always come in this way. They’ve been out for snipe in the marshes today, so they’ll make a fine mess over my poor carpets. So like you menfolk, isn’t it?”
She rattled on cheerfully about the shooting and the scarcity of birds, and the prospects for duck in the winter. To Framton it was all purely horrible. He made a desperate but only partially successful effort to turn the talk on to a less ghastly topic, he was conscious that his hostess was giving him only a fragment of her attention, and her eyes were constantly straying past him to the open window and the lawn beyond. It was certainly an unfortunate coincidence that he should have paid his visit on this tragic anniversary.
“The doctors agree in ordering me complete rest, an absence of mental excitement, and avoidance of anything in the nature of violent physical exercise,” announced Framton, who labored under the tolerably widespread delusion that total strangers and chance acquaintances are hungry for the least detail of one’s ailments and infirmities, their cause and cure. “On the matter of diet they are not so much in agreement,” he continued.
“No?” said Mrs. Sappleton, in a voice which only replaced a yawn at the last moment. Then she suddenly brightened into alert attention–but not to what Framton was saying.
“Here they are at last!” she cried. “Just in time for tea, and don’t they look as if they were muddy up to the eyes!”
Framton shivered slightly and turned towards the niece with a look intended to convey sympathetic comprehension. The child was staring out through the open window with a dazed horror in her eyes. In a chill shock of nameless fear Framton swung round in his seat and looked in the same direction.
In the deepening twilight three figures were walking across the lawn towards the window, they all carried guns under their arms, and one of them was additionally burdened with a white coat hung over his shoulders. A tired brown spaniel kept close at their heels. Noiselessly they neared the house, and then a hoarse young voice chanted out of the dusk: “I said, Bertie, why do you bound?”
Framton grabbed wildly at his stick and hat; the hall door, the gravel drive, and the front gate were dimly noted stages in his headlong retreat. A cyclist coming along the road had to run into the hedge to avoid imminent collision.
“Here we are, my dear,” said the bearer of the white mackintosh, coming in through the window, “fairly muddy, but most of it’s dry. Who was that who bolted out as we came up?”
“A most extraordinary man, a Mr. Nuttel,” said Mrs. Sappleton; “could only talk about his illnesses, and dashed off without a word of goodby or apology when you arrived. One would think he had seen a ghost.”
“I expect it was the spaniel,” said the niece calmly; “he told me he had a horror of dogs. He was once hunted into a cemetery somewhere on the banks of the Ganges by a pack of pariah dogs, and had to spend the night in a newly dug grave with the creatures snarling and grinning and foaming just above him. Enough to make anyone lose their nerve.”
Romance at short notice was her speciality.
Summary
“The Open Window” by H.H. Munro, also known as Saki, was first published in the Westminster Gazette on November 18, 1911. It was later included in a collection of his short stories called “Beasts and Super-Beasts” in 1914. The story has been frequently anthologized and continues to be popular for its wit, humor, and unexpected twist.
Framton Nuttel, a man suffering from nervous conditions, visits the quiet English countryside for rest and relaxation. Upon arriving at Mrs. Sappleton’s home, he is greeted by her self-assured 15-year-old niece named Vera.
Vera asks Mr. Nuttel about his knowledge of the area and learns that Mr. Nuttel knows “next to nothing” about her aunt. Vera then points out a large, open window, and launches into a story about Mrs. Sappleton’s “great tragedy”.
Vera tells Mr. Nuttel that three years ago Mrs. Sappleton’s husband, two brothers, and spaniel left through that window for a hunting trip, during which they were all “engulfed in a treacherous piece of bog”. Vera includes specific details about the outing that all ground her tale, such as the white raincoat one man was wearing and how her uncle Ronnie sang “Bertie, why do you bound?” to tease his sister. Now, Vera says, her aunt keeps the window open because she believes the men will still come home.
Just then Mrs. Sappleton enters the room, much to Mr. Nuttel’s relief, and asks her guest whether Vera has been amusing him. She proceeds to apologize for the open window, remarking that her husband and brothers enter the house that way after hunting trips to avoid dirtying the carpet. Mr. Nuttel grows horrified by her cheerful rambling about hunting, and attempts to change the subject by discussing his illness and various cures.
Mrs. Sappleton barely stifles a yawn before “brightening to attention” to something outside. Mrs. Sappleton excitedly remarks that her brother and husband have arrived just in time for tea. For a moment Mr. Nuttel pities her delusion, before catching a look of terror on Vera’s face. Turning to look out the window himself, he sees three men and a dog walking across the yard, one with a white raincoat slung over his arm and another singing “Bertie, why do you bound?”—just as in Vera’s story. Terrified, Mr. Nuttel sprints out of the house and down the driveway.
The story ends with the men entering the home and the one with the white coat asking Mrs. Sappleton who the man running past was. This story is known for its unexpected twist and exploration of themes such as horror, grief, and madness.
HH Munro
Birth and Early Life
Hector Hugh Munro was born on 18 December 1870 in Akyab, Burma, which was then part of British India. He was the son of Charles Augustus Munro, an Inspector General for the Indian Imperial Police, and his wife, Mary Frances Mercer.
Childhood
After his mother’s death when he was two years old, Munro was sent to live with his grandmother and paternal maiden aunts, Charlotte and Augusta, in a strict and puritanical household in Pilton near Barnstaple, North Devon, England.
Education
Munro was educated at Exmouth and at Bedford grammar school.
Career
In 1893, he joined the Burma police but was invalided out. Turning to journalism, he wrote political satires for the Westminster Gazette and in 1900 published The Rise of the Russian Empire, a serious historical work. After acting as foreign correspondent for The Morning Post in the Balkans, Russia, and Paris, in 1908 he settled in London.
Writing Style and Themes
Munro is best known for his witty, mischievous and sometimes macabre stories that satirize Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story and is often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. His stories reveal a vein of cruelty and a self-identification with the enfant terrible.
Works
Besides his short stories, he wrote a full-length play, The Watched Pot, in collaboration with Charles Maude; two one-act plays; a historical study, The Rise of the Russian Empire; a short novel, The Unbearable Bassington; the episodic The Westminster Alice (a parliamentary parody of Alice in Wonderland); and When William Came, subtitled A Story of London Under the Hohenzollerns, a fantasy about a future German invasion and occupation of Britain.
Death
Munro was killed in action in World War I on 14 November 1916.
Legacy
Munro’s stories continue to be popular and are frequently anthologized. His wit and skill at crafting stories with unexpected twists and dark humor have left a lasting impression on readers.
About “The Open Window”
Title and Author
“The Open Window” is a short story written by Hector Hugh Munro, who is better known by his pen name, Saki.
Publication
The story was first published in 1914.
Setting
The story is set in an upper-class home in the English countryside sometime between 1880 and 1905.
Plot
The story revolves around a character named Framton Nuttel, who visits a country house for rest and relaxation. He meets a self-possessed young lady named Vera, who tells him a tragic tale about her aunt’s husband and brothers. According to Vera, they left through an open window for a day’s shooting three years ago and never returned. They were supposedly engulfed in a treacherous piece of bog and their bodies were never recovered. The aunt keeps the window open, believing that they will return one day.
Characters
The main characters in the story are Framton Nuttel, Vera, and Mrs. Sappleton. Framton is a nervous man visiting the countryside for rest and relaxation. Vera is Mrs. Sappleton’s niece, who tells Framton the tragic tale. Mrs. Sappleton is Vera’s aunt, who is oblivious to the prank Vera plays on Framton.
Themes
The story explores several themes, including the power of storytelling, the clash between reality and imagination, the absurdity of social conventions, and the unexpected nature of life.
Symbolism
The open window in the story is a significant symbol. It symbolizes hope, the expansive nature of imagination, and storytelling.
Style
Saki is known for his witty, mischievous, and sometimes macabre stories that satirize Edwardian society and culture. “The Open Window” is a perfect example of Saki’s style, with its unexpected twist, dark humor, and exploration of human nature.
Legacy
“The Open Window” is one of Saki’s most popular stories and is frequently anthologized. It continues to be studied and enjoyed for its humor, wit, and insight into human nature.
CHARACTERS
Framton Nuttel
Framton Nuttel is the protagonist of “The Open Window” by Saki. He is depicted as a man suffering from nervous conditions, seeking solace in the quiet English countryside. His character is marked by his gullibility and nervous disposition. His susceptibility to Vera’s storytelling reveals his lack of discernment and his tendency to easily believe in the extraordinary. His nervous condition also adds a layer of irony to the story, as his visit intended for relaxation ends up being a horrifying experience for him.
Framton Nuttel is a perpetually anxious gentleman who has arrived at the Sappleton home following a letter of introduction from his sister. However, he is not enthused about the prospect of conversing with total strangers. His behavior is largely shaped by expectations of social etiquette, and he is easily manipulated by Vera’s story about the deaths of her aunt’s husband and brothers.
Upon the return of Mrs. Sappleton’s male relatives to the house, Mr. Nuttel dashes away without a word of explanation or apology—all his gentlemanly pretensions cast aside in the face of apparent horror. This reaction underscores his nervous disposition and his inability to cope with unexpected situations.
Framton Nuttel’s character does not grow during the story, and he embodies anxiety and nervousness with little additional characterization. No description is given of Framton’s appearance, which allows the reader to focus more on his mental state and reactions to the events of the story.
In conclusion, Framton Nuttel’s character serves as a foil to Vera’s cunning and imaginative nature. His gullibility and nervous disposition make him an easy target for Vera’s prank, adding an element of humor and irony to the story.
Vera Sappleton
Vera Sappleton, a 15-year-old girl, is a central character in “The Open Window” by Saki. She is described as “very self-possessed,” which indicates her confident and composed demeanor.
Vera is an observant, clever, and above all, imaginative young woman. She has a knack for storytelling and is able to concoct convincing tales on the spot. Her stories are not just fabrications but are detailed and imaginative, demonstrating her sharp intellect and creativity.
In the story, Vera greets Mr. Nuttel upon his arrival at the Sappleton home and spins a tragic tale that sends him running away. She handily fools the adults around her with her “romance on short notice”. Her innocent demeanor makes her tales all the more convincing.
Vera’s name comes from the Latin for truth, which adds an ironic twist to her character, as she is anything but truthful in her interactions with Mr. Nuttel. Despite her young age, Vera’s cunning and mischievous nature are evident throughout the story.
In conclusion, Vera Sappleton’s character adds an element of mischief and humor to the story, making it engaging and memorable. Her ability to manipulate Mr. Nuttel’s perceptions and emotions shows her understanding of human psychology. Through Vera’s character, Saki explores themes such as the power of storytelling, the clash between reality and imagination, and the absurdity of social conventions.
Mrs. Sappleton
Mrs. Sappleton is Vera’s aunt and the lady of the Sappleton home. She is an acquaintance of Framton’s sister, who has arranged for Framton to meet Mrs. Sappleton by equipping him with a letter of introduction. Framton knows nothing about Mrs. Sappleton in advance, except that she is one of the acquaintances whom his sister has described as “quite nice”.
Though she appears to be somewhat aware of Vera’s penchant for storytelling, Mrs. Sappleton nevertheless fails to detect the prank her niece has pulled on the unsuspecting Mr. Nuttel. She nearly arrives at the truth of the matter, commenting after Mr. Nuttel’s hasty exit that her guest looked as though he’d seen a ghost.
Mrs. Sappleton is depicted as a cheerful woman who loves talking about her husband and brothers’ hunting trips. Her obliviousness to the drama unfolding around her adds a layer of irony to the story. She continues to engage in mundane conversations about her husband and brothers’ hunting trips, even as Framton grows increasingly uncomfortable.
In conclusion, Mrs. Sappleton’s character provides a contrast to the extraordinary events of the story. She represents the normalcy and routine of everyday life. Her character adds depth to the story and contributes to its humor and irony.
Minor Characters
Ronnie: Ronnie is Mrs. Sappleton’s youngest brother. He is known for his song “Bertie, why do you bound?”. He sings this upon returning from his hunting trip, terrifying Mr. Nuttel. His character, though minor, plays a crucial role in Vera’s story and adds a touch of realism to her tale, making it more believable.
Framton Nuttel’s sister: Though she never appears in the story, Mr. Nuttel’s sister is the reason he is at the Sappleton home to begin with. Fearing her brother would spend his restorative time in the country moping, she gives him letters of introduction to some of the people she knows there. Her character, though unseen, sets the events of the story in motion.
Mrs. Sappleton’s Husband and Brothers: Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers are the subjects of Vera’s fabricated story. They are said to have left for a hunting trip three years ago and never returned. In reality, they are very much alive and their return frightens Mr. Nuttel into fleeing the house.
The Spaniel: The spaniel is the dog that accompanies Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers on their hunting trip. The dog is included in Vera’s story and its presence during the return of the hunting party adds to the believability of her tale.
Themes
“The Open Window” by HH Munro explores several themes throughout the story. Here are some of the main themes:
Deception and Manipulation
Saki skillfully portrays Vera’s manipulation of Framton Nuttel as she fabricates a tragic story about her aunt’s family. This deception is not malicious but rather mischievous, as Vera seeks to entertain herself by weaving elaborate tales.
Through Vera’s manipulation, Saki explores the power dynamics in social interactions and the ease with which individuals can be swayed by persuasive storytelling.
Appearance vs. Reality
The theme of appearance versus reality is evident in the stark contrast between Vera’s outward innocence and her mischievous nature. While she presents herself as a polite and courteous young girl, her actions reveal a cunning and imaginative personality.
Similarly, the appearance of the approaching figures initially suggests a joyous reunion for Mrs. Sappleton, only to reveal a more mundane reality.
Gullibility and Naivety
Framton Nuttel’s gullibility and naivety serve as cautionary elements in the story, highlighting the dangers of blind acceptance. His willingness to believe Vera’s fabricated story without question underscores the vulnerability of individuals to manipulation and deception.
Saki critiques the tendency to trust information at face value without engaging in critical thinking or skepticism.
Fear and Anxiety
Fear and anxiety permeate the narrative, particularly through Framton Nuttel’s character. His nervous disposition and desire for solitude in the countryside suggest an underlying anxiety.
Vera’s fabricated story exacerbates Framton’s fears, leading to his panicked retreat from the house. This portrayal of fear underscores the fragility of the human psyche and the power of imagination to evoke visceral reactions.
Isolation and Loneliness
The theme of isolation and loneliness is subtly conveyed through the characters’ experiences. Framton Nuttel’s decision to seek refuge in the countryside hints at a desire to escape from the pressures of society and find solace in solitude.
Mrs. Sappleton’s vigil by the open window, waiting for her husband and brothers to return, suggests a deeper loneliness and longing for companionship. Her refusal to accept their absence reflects a poignant sense of loss and yearning.
The Power of Imagination
Vera’s vivid imagination and storytelling prowess are central to the story’s plot. Her ability to craft elaborate narratives on the spot highlights the transformative power of imagination in shaping perception and reality.
Through Vera, Saki explores the role of storytelling as a form of escapism and entertainment, demonstrating its capacity to captivate and manipulate others.
Social Commentary
Saki’s narrative contains elements of social commentary, particularly regarding social conventions and the superficiality of polite society. The characters’ interactions reflect societal norms and expectations, often punctuated by veiled sarcasm and irony.
By satirizing the tendency to embellish stories for social gain, Saki offers a critique of the artificiality of social interactions and the facades people present to one another.
Symbolism
“The Open Window” by HH Munro is rich in symbolism, which adds depth to the story and enhances its themes. Here are some key symbols in the story:
The Open Window
The open window is the most significant symbol in the story. It symbolizes hope, the expansive nature of imagination, and storytelling. Throughout the second half of the story, Mrs. Sappleton glances through the open window looking for what she longs for—the return of her husband and brothers. She hopes that she will catch a glimpse of them coming across the lawn toward the window. Vera makes the open window a symbol of Mrs. Sappleton’s (supposed) insanity, as she believes her dead loved ones will walk through it. We would generally expect an open window to symbolize transparency, honesty, or freedom. Saki (and Vera) cleverly uses these associations to add to the veracity of the story.
The Hunting Trip
The hunting trip that Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers embark on symbolizes the adventurous spirit and the unpredictability of life. The men leave for their hunting trip full of life and excitement, unaware of the fate that awaits them (according to Vera’s story). The hunting trip, therefore, serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the uncertainty of fate.
The Spaniel
The spaniel that accompanies Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers on their hunting trip symbolizes loyalty and companionship. The dog’s presence during the return of the hunting party adds to the believability of Vera’s tale. The spaniel, like the men, is said to have never returned from the hunting trip, symbolizing the loss and grief experienced by Mrs. Sappleton.
The Song ‘Bertie, why do you bound?’
The song that Ronnie sings, “Bertie, why do you bound?”, is a recurring motif in the story and serves as a symbol of the past. The song is a reminder of the happy times before the supposed tragedy and its repetition underscores the enduring impact of the past on the present.
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of “The Open Window”?
A: The author of “The Open Window” is H.H. Munro, also known as Saki.
Q: Who is the protagonist of “The Open Window”?
A: The protagonist of “The Open Window” is Framton Nuttel.
Q: Who tells the story about the open window in the story?
A: Vera, Mrs. Sappleton’s niece, tells the story about the open window.
Q: What is the significance of the open window in the story?
A: The open window symbolizes hope, the expansive nature of imagination, and storytelling.
Q: What is the setting of “The Open Window”?
A: The story is set in an upper-class home in the English countryside.
Q: What is the main theme of “The Open Window”?
A: The main theme of “The Open Window” is the power of storytelling.
Q: What is the twist in “The Open Window”?
A: The twist in “The Open Window” is that Vera’s tragic tale is a fabrication.
Q: Who is Mrs. Sappleton in the story?
A: Mrs. Sappleton is Vera’s aunt and the lady of the house where the story takes place.
Q: What is Framton Nuttel suffering from?
A: Framton Nuttel is suffering from nervous conditions.
Q: What does Vera tell Framton happened to Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers?
A: Vera tells Framton that Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers were engulfed in a bog while on a hunting trip and never returned.
Q: How does Framton react when he sees Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers return?
A: Framton is terrified and flees from the house.
Q: What does Vera say about Framton’s sudden departure?
A: Vera says that Framton has a horror of dogs due to a traumatic childhood experience.
Q: What song does Ronnie sing in the story?
A: Ronnie sings the song “Bertie, why do you bound?” in the story.
Q: What is the spaniel’s role in the story?
A: The spaniel is the dog that accompanies Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers on their hunting trip.
Q: What is the tone of “The Open Window”?
A: The tone of “The Open Window” is humorous and ironic.
Q: What is the narrative style of “The Open Window”?
A: “The Open Window” is written in the third person narrative style.
Q: What is the climax of “The Open Window”?
A: The climax of “The Open Window” is when Framton sees Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers return.
Q: What is the resolution of “The Open Window”?
A: The resolution of “The Open Window” is when Vera invents a new tale about Framton’s hasty exit.
Q: What is the mood of “The Open Window”?
A: The mood of “The Open Window” is suspenseful and humorous.
Q: What is the moral of “The Open Window”?
A: The moral of “The Open Window” is that appearances can be deceiving and not everything is as it seems.
Short Answer Questions
Q: What is the significance of the title “The Open Window”?
A: The title “The Open Window” is significant as it refers to the central symbol in the story. The open window represents hope, the expansive nature of imagination, and storytelling. It is through this open window that Vera weaves her tale and manipulates Framton’s perceptions of reality.
Q: How does Saki use irony in “The Open Window”?
A: Saki uses irony in “The Open Window” to create humor and surprise. The biggest irony is that Framton comes to the countryside seeking peace and quiet for his nerves, but ends up being terrified by Vera’s fabricated tale. Another instance of irony is that Vera, a young girl, is able to manipulate the adults around her with her storytelling.
Q: How does the setting contribute to the story?
A: The setting of an upper-class home in the English countryside contributes to the story by providing a calm and peaceful backdrop against which the unexpected and humorous events unfold. The tranquility of the setting contrasts with the chaos caused by Vera’s tale, enhancing the humor and irony of the story.
Q: What role does Vera play in “The Open Window”?
A: Vera plays a crucial role in “The Open Window”. She is the one who tells the fabricated tale about her aunt’s husband and brothers, setting the events of the story in motion. Her storytelling skills and ability to manipulate Framton’s perceptions add an element of mischief and humor to the story.
Q: How does “The Open Window” explore the theme of the power of storytelling?
A: “The Open Window” explores the theme of the power of storytelling through the character of Vera. Vera’s ability to weave a convincing tale that manipulates Framton’s perceptions demonstrates the power of storytelling. The story shows how a well-told tale can shape perceptions of reality and influence people’s actions.
Q: What is the climax of “The Open Window”?
A: The climax of “The Open Window” is when Framton sees Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers return. This moment is the culmination of Vera’s tale and results in Framton fleeing from the house in terror.
Q: How does Saki use humor in “The Open Window”?
A: Saki uses humor in “The Open Window” through the unexpected twist and the ironic situations. The humor arises from the contrast between Framton’s perception of events and the reality, as well as from his overreaction to Vera’s tale.
Q: What is the resolution of “The Open Window”?
A: The resolution of “The Open Window” is when Vera invents a new tale about Framton’s hasty exit. She tells her aunt that Framton ran away because he has a fear of dogs, adding another layer of humor and irony to the story.
Q: How does “The Open Window” reflect the social norms of the Edwardian Era?
A: “The Open Window” reflects the social norms of the Edwardian Era through its depiction of the strict etiquette and social conventions. Framton’s behavior is largely shaped by these expectations, and he is easily manipulated by Vera’s story about the deaths of her aunt’s husband and brothers.
Q: What is the moral of “The Open Window”?
A: The moral of “The Open Window” is that appearances can be deceiving and not everything is as it seems. The story encourages skepticism and critical thinking, as Framton’s gullibility leads him to believe Vera’s tale and results in a humorous and ironic situation.
Essay Type
Q: Discuss the theme of deception in “The Open Window” by Saki.
A: “The Open Window” by Saki is a masterful short story that explores the theme of deception in a humorous and ironic manner. The story revolves around a practical joke played by a young girl, Vera, on an unsuspecting visitor, Framton Nuttel. Vera’s ability to weave a convincing tale that manipulates Framton’s perceptions demonstrates the power of deception. The story shows how a well-told lie can shape perceptions of reality and influence people’s actions.
Vera’s deception is successful because she understands Framton’s character and is able to play on his fears and expectations. Her story is believable because it fits with Framton’s preconceived notions about the countryside and its inhabitants. The success of Vera’s deception underscores the theme of the deceptive nature of appearances and the potential for innocence to mask guile.
The irony in the story further highlights the theme of deception. Framton comes to the countryside seeking peace and quiet for his nerves, but ends up being terrified by Vera’s fabricated tale. This irony is not only humorous but also reveals the deceptive nature of appearances. What appears to be a peaceful countryside retreat turns out to be a source of terror for Framton.
Furthermore, the story suggests that deception can be a form of entertainment. Vera seems to derive pleasure from deceiving Framton and watching his reaction. This aspect of the story raises questions about the ethics of deception and the boundaries between harmless pranks and cruel jokes.
In conclusion, “The Open Window” by Saki explores the theme of deception through a humorous and ironic narrative. The story demonstrates the power of a well-told lie to shape perceptions of reality and influence actions. It also highlights the deceptive nature of appearances and the potential for innocence to mask guile. Through its exploration of the theme of deception, “The Open Window” offers a witty and insightful commentary on human nature and social interactions.
Q: Analyze the character of Vera in “The Open Window”.
A: Vera, the young protagonist in “The Open Window” by Saki, is a character of remarkable complexity and wit. She is immediately described as “very self-possessed,” indicating her confident and composed demeanor. Despite her young age, she exhibits a remarkable ability to weave convincing tales. Her stories are not just fabrications but are detailed and imaginative, demonstrating her sharp intellect and creativity.
Vera’s character is central to the plot of “The Open Window”. She is the one who tells the fabricated tale about her aunt’s husband and brothers, setting the events of the story in motion. Her storytelling skills and ability to manipulate Framton’s perceptions add an element of mischief and humor to the story. Vera’s name comes from the Latin for truth, which adds an ironic twist to her character, as she is anything but truthful in her interactions with Framton.
Vera’s character is marked by her observant nature. She is quick to assess Framton’s character and uses this understanding to weave a tale that plays on his fears and expectations. Her observant nature also allows her to maintain her deception, as she is able to gauge Framton’s reactions and adjust her story accordingly.
Vera’s cleverness is another defining characteristic. She is able to think on her feet and come up with convincing stories at a moment’s notice. This cleverness is evident in the way she spins her tale, incorporating details that make it believable. Her cleverness is also evident in the way she handles the aftermath of her prank, quickly coming up with another tale to explain Framton’s hasty exit.
Vera’s imaginative nature is perhaps her most striking characteristic. Her ability to create detailed and convincing stories on the spot demonstrates her vivid imagination. Her imagination is not just a source of entertainment, but also a tool of manipulation. Through her imaginative tales, she is able to control the perceptions and actions of those around her.
In conclusion, Vera is a complex and intriguing character. Her confident demeanor, observant nature, cleverness, and vivid imagination make her a memorable character. Through Vera’s character, Saki explores themes such as the power of storytelling, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the potential for innocence to mask guile. Despite her young age, Vera’s cunning and mischievous nature are evident throughout the story, making her a central figure in the narrative.
Q: How does Saki use irony in “The Open Window”?
A. Irony is a significant literary device used by Saki in “The Open Window”. It is used to create humor, surprise, and to emphasize the story’s themes. Here’s an analysis of how Saki uses irony in the story:
Situational Irony
The story is filled with situational irony, where the outcome is different from what was initially expected. The biggest irony is that Framton Nuttel, who comes to the countryside seeking peace and quiet for his nerves, ends up being terrified by Vera’s fabricated tale. He comes to the Sappleton house hoping for a calm and relaxing visit, but instead experiences a horrifying ordeal that sends him running away in fear. This unexpected outcome adds a humorous twist to the story.
Dramatic Irony
Saki also uses dramatic irony, where the audience knows something that the characters do not. The readers know that Vera’s story is a fabrication, but Framton does not. This creates a sense of suspense and anticipation as the readers wait for Framton to discover the truth. When Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and brothers return, the readers are aware that they are not ghosts, but Framton, believing Vera’s story, thinks they are. This misunderstanding leads to a comical situation where Framton flees in terror, much to the confusion of Mrs. Sappleton and her family.
Verbal Irony
Verbal irony is present in Vera’s storytelling. She tells Framton a tragic tale about her aunt’s husband and brothers, claiming that they were engulfed in a bog and never returned. However, she knows that this is not true. Her words say one thing, but the truth is quite different. This discrepancy between what is said and what is true adds another layer of irony to the story.
Irony in Characterization
The characters in the story also contribute to the irony. Framton is depicted as a nervous man seeking tranquility, but he ends up in a situation that exacerbates his nerves. Vera, on the other hand, appears to be a innocent young girl, but she proves to be a cunning storyteller who enjoys playing pranks. These ironic characterizations add depth to the story and enhance its humor and wit.
In conclusion, Saki uses irony in “The Open Window” to create a humorous and engaging narrative. The irony arises from the contrast between expectations and reality, the discrepancy between appearance and truth, and the unexpected outcomes of the characters’ actions. Through the use of irony, Saki delivers a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Free Full PDF Download Now Click Here
