Introduction:
H.H. Munro’s (Saki) “The Open Window” brilliantly portrays how one’s nerves affect his/her personality. As Framton embarks on a trip intended as a nerve cure, he finds himself in an unfamiliar situation that ultimately has a negative effect on his seemingly nervous personality. The author explores three important themes in the story, ‘The Open Window’. First, Saki explores the concept of chaos by disrupting the otherwise tranquil household with tragic death. The open window becomes the channel by which these ghastly figures disrupt the peace of the home. Next, Saki explores the concept of empowerment in the form of Vera. Though only a child, she is repeatedly able to deceive adults with her imaginative fables. Nuttel’s nervous condition and Mrs. Sappleton’s supposed mental instability creates the framework by which the author is able to make Vera’s tale more believable. Lastly, the author examines the two main characters’ desire to escape. Vera desires to escape the adult world in which she feels trapped. She does so through her imagination and storytelling. Nuttel however, ventures to a rural town to escape his nervous condition.
Character Sketch:
Mr. Nuttel:
Mr. Framton Nuttel is a visitor to the area and to the home. He suffers from a “nerve condition” and thus could be described as neurotic. He comes with letters of introduction from his sister and has come to the countryside to relax. But he proves to be quite gullible when the niece tells him the false tale of her aunt’s widowed state. As the hunters return, Frampton freaks out thinking that he has seen a ghost. He dashes out of the house which displays him as a naïve person.
Vera, Mrs. Sappleton’s niece:
Vera is introduced as a young lady of fifteen. She also seems to be quite adept at telling tall tales. She is polite and gracious when she meets Framton Nuttel. After fulfilling the role of hostess, she proceeds to question Framton about his acquaintances and how well he knows her aunt. Through, the questions, Vera measures what kind of story she can tell and have Framton believe it. She describes how her aunt’s husband passed away in the bogs. When Framton sees the same man approaching the house shortly after the story, he turns toward Vera. He sees Vera staring out of the open window in horror. Thus, Vera successfully sells her story. Framton dashes out of the house without a word or explanation. Vera shows how well she has developed her craft when she indicates that Framton has a horror of dogs. She proves to be very adept at telling stories and having ready explanations to cover up any deficiencies.
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