The Open Window by Saki

Background

• Author: H.H. Munroe (pen name: Saki)
• Written in: 1911
• Era: Edwardian period in England
• Setting: English country home

Plot Overview

• Main Character: Frampton Nuttle
  • Recently moved to a country town to cure his nervous condition
  • Sister arranged meetings with her acquaintances to prevent loneliness

Key Events:

1. Visit to Mrs. Sappleton's Home
   • Frampton hopes to meet Mrs. Sappleton but is entertained by her niece, Vera
   • Vera, confident and clever, directs the conversation
   • Nuttle learns from Vera about her aunt's tragedy
2. Vera's Story
   • Points to the open French window
   • Tells Nuttle that three years ago her aunt's husband and two young brothers went snipe hunting and drowned in a bog
   • Their bodies were never recovered
   • Mrs. Sappleton keeps the window open, hoping they will return
   • Vera describes the scene of their departure in detail
3. Mrs. Sappleton's Entrance
   • Apologizes for the open window and mentions the hunting party
   • Frampton, horrified, attempts to change the subject
   • Mrs. Sappleton notices the returning hunting party
4. Frampton's Escape
   • Sees the silhouettes of three men and a spaniel matching Vera's description
   • Flees in terror
   • Mrs. Sappleton remarks he looked as if he'd seen a ghost
5. Vera's Deception Continued
   • Vera explains Frampton's reaction by concocting another story
   • Claims Nuttle was once chased by dogs in India, resulting in a fear of dogs

Themes and Techniques

• Subversion of Traditional Settings: Edwardian sitting room with macabre imagery
• Storytelling and Deception: Vera's clever and deceptive storytelling outsmarts the adults
• Surprise Ending: The twist where the 'ghosts' return, and Vera's quick explanation