The Open Window by Saki
Short Essay
Introduction:
The Open Window is a short story by Saki, known for its humor and surprise endings. The story is about Framton Nuttel, a nervous man who visits the countryside to relax. He goes to Mrs. Sappleton’s house with a letter from his sister and meets her clever niece, Vera.
Framton’s Visit and Vera’s Story:
While waiting for Mrs. Sappleton, Vera tells Framton a sad story. She says her aunt leaves the window open every day because her husband, two brothers, and their dog went hunting three years ago and never came back. Vera says they died in a bog and Mrs. Sappleton still waits for them.
Mrs. Sappleton’s Arrival and the Shock:
Mrs. Sappleton arrives and talks happily about her family. Suddenly, three men and a dog appear in the garden, just like Vera described. Framton thinks they are ghosts and runs away in fear.
Vera’s Final Lie:
When the men come in, they ask why Framton ran. Vera quickly makes up another story, saying Framton is scared of dogs.
Conclusion:
The story ends by showing Vera’s talent for making up stories. Instead of finding peace, Framton leaves more nervous than before.
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The Open Window by Saki
Detailed Essay
About the Author:
Hector Hugh Munro (18 December 1870 – 14 November 1916), better known by his pen name Saki, was a British writer. He is often called H. H. Munro as well. Many English teachers and scholars consider him a master of short stories.
Saki's most famous works include:
"The Open Window",
"Sredni Vashtar",
"The Lumber Room",
"Tobermory",
"The Schartz-Metterklume Method"
these stories showcase his wit, irony, and sharp observations of society.
Characters:
Framton Nuttel - the protagonist
Mrs. Sappleton - Nuttel's sister's fnd
Vera (15) - Mrs. Sappleton's niece
Mrs. Sappleton's Husband & Two brothers
Ronnie - youngest brother
A little brown spaniel - dog
Introduction:
“The Open Window” is a short story written by Saki (H.H. Munro), known for its wit and unexpected twist. Set in the English countryside, the story follows Framton Nuttel, who visits Mrs. Sappleton’s home for rest and relief from his nervous condition. While waiting for Mrs. Sappleton, her niece Vera tells him a chilling story about a tragic family event. The twist ending reveals the playful and deceptive nature of Vera, highlighting Saki's talent for surprise endings and clever storytelling
Setting of the Story:
The story takes place on an autumn evening in Mrs. Sappleton’s Victorian-style home, which is in the countryside of the United Kingdom.
Framton Nuttel's Visit to the Countryside:
Framton Nuttel came to the countryside to rest and cure his nerves. His sister had stayed there four years earlier and knew some people from the area. Knowing that Framton would avoid socializing, she gave him letters of introduction to people she knew, including Mrs. Sappleton. When Framton visits Mrs. Sappleton's house, he is welcomed by her niece, Vera, because Mrs. Sappleton is not at home. Framton tells Vera that he only knows Mrs. Sappleton's name and address.
Vera's Story About the Tragic Event:
While waiting for Mrs. Sappleton, Vera tells Framton about a sad event from three years ago. She shows him a large French window that was left open. Vera says her aunt, Mrs. Sappleton, keeps it open because she waits for her husband, two brothers, and a dog. They went hunting three years ago but never came back. Vera explains that they got trapped in a dangerous bog while heading to their favorite shooting spot. They all died and were buried in the bog.
Vera Describes Her Aunt's condition:
Vera describes how her aunt often talks about that day (three years ago) when they went for shooting. She often told Vera about her husband, who left with a white waterproof coat over his arm. She also mentioned how Ronnie, the youngest brother, was singing "Bertie, why do you bound?"—a song that annoyed her aunt. Since then, for three years, Mrs. Sappleton has kept the window open every day, especially at dusk, waiting for their return.
The Arrival of Mrs. Sappleton:
Soon, Mrs. Sappleton enters the house and apologizes for making Framton wait. She explains that she keeps the French window open for her husband and brothers, who always enter through it after hunting. She mentions they are out looking for snipe in the swamp and will likely have muddy feet. She prefers they use the window to avoid dirtying the carpets through the main door.
Framton’s Illness and Mrs. Sappleton’s Distraction:
Framton, feeling uncomfortable with the talk of the open window, changes the subject and starts discussing his health problems. However, Mrs. Sappleton is distracted, constantly looking at the window and the lawn behind it. Suddenly, she becomes excited and cheerful, saying, "Here they are at last!" and "Just in time for tea, and don’t they look as if they were muddy up to the eyes!"
The Return of the Supposed "Ghosts":
Framton is confused and looks at Vera for reassurance. Vera, however, is staring at the window with a look of horror. Framton then turns around and sees three figures approaching the house through the twilight, just as Vera had described: all of them carrying guns, one with a white coat, and a tired brown spaniel following them. One of the men sings, "I say, Bertie, why do you bound?"
Terrified, thinking he has just seen the dead come back, Framton grabs his hat and walking stick and runs away from the house without saying goodbye.
The Return of Mrs. Sappleton’s Family:
When Mrs. Sappleton’s husband, brothers, and the dog come into the house, they ask about the man who ran away as soon as they entered. Mrs. Sappleton explains that he was a strange man who kept talking about his illness, and he ran away as if he had seen a ghost.
Vera’s Final Story:
Vera then tells them that Framton probably ran away because he was scared of dogs. She explains that Framton had confessed to her that he was once chased by a pack of dogs and ended up spending the night in a freshly dug grave, with the dogs growling above him.
Conclusion:
The story ends with the line, “Romance at short notice was her speciality,” showing that Vera made up stories quickly to entertain herself, playing on Framton’s nerves and fears. Framton came to the countryside to cure his nerves, but instead, his nerves got worse after Vera’s story and the sight of the returning hunters.
Themes:
1. Deception
2. Imagination vs. Reality
3. Fear and Anxiety
4. Social Expectations
5. The Power of Storytelling
6. Innocence and Manipulation
7. Trust and Mistrust
8. Appearances vs. Truth
9. Irony and Humor
10. Isolation and Loneliness
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