The Open Window | Saki (H. H. Munro) | A Bitesized Audio Production

Summary

In Saki's short story 'The Open Window,' Framton Nuttel, a man seeking rest for his nerves, visits Mrs. Sappleton's home in a rural area. He meets her niece, Vera, who tells him a tragic story about her aunt's husband and brothers who disappeared three years ago while shooting. The aunt keeps the window open, believing they will return. When they do, Framton, mistaking them for ghosts, flees in panic. Vera, with a mischievous twist, tells a fabricated tale of his fear of dogs, adding a humorous, ironic touch to the story.

Takeaways

• 😀 Framton Nuttel, the main character, is seeking a nerve cure and visits a rural retreat suggested by his sister.
• 😀 Framton is introduced to a young girl, Vera, who informs him that her aunt, Mrs. Sappleton, will join them shortly.
• 😀 Vera hints at a tragedy involving her aunt’s family—her husband and brothers disappeared three years ago while hunting and were presumed dead.
• 😀 Vera explains that her aunt believes her husband, brothers, and their lost spaniel will return, which is why the window is left open every evening.
• 😀 Vera also describes how her aunt remembers the last moments of her family before their disappearance, providing a haunting picture.
• 😀 Mrs. Sappleton eventually arrives and reveals that her husband and brothers will return soon from hunting, adding to the confusion of Framton.
• 😀 Framton, feeling out of place and unsettled, is eager to change the subject but remains trapped in the conversation about the tragedy.
• 😀 Framton shares with Mrs. Sappleton that he is under doctor’s orders for rest and avoidance of excitement, which is ignored by the conversation about hunting.
• 😀 As the conversation unfolds, Framton believes he sees three figures walking across the lawn—those who Vera claimed were dead—leading him to panic and flee.
• 😀 It is later revealed that Vera fabricated the entire story about her aunt's family, causing Framton to react in fear as a result of her elaborate lie.

Q & A

Who is the primary character seeking a nerve cure in the story?

Framton Nuttel is the primary character seeking a nerve cure. He is visiting the area on the advice of his sister.

What does the young lady, Vera, tell Framton about her aunt’s tragedy?

Vera explains that her aunt’s husband and two brothers died three years ago in a bog while they were out shooting, and their bodies were never recovered.

Why does Vera keep the window open in her aunt’s house?

Vera keeps the window open because her aunt believes that her husband, brothers, and their lost spaniel will return one day and walk in through the window just as they used to.

How does Framton react to Vera’s story about the tragedy?

Framton is disturbed by the story, and he finds the atmosphere uncomfortable, especially considering the tragic anniversary of the event.

What is Framton’s primary concern during his visit?

Framton is concerned about his health and is undergoing a nerve cure. He seems preoccupied with discussing his ailments and avoiding mental or physical exertion.

How does Mrs. Sappleton behave when she arrives?

Mrs. Sappleton is cheerful and talkative when she arrives, discussing the shooting and the possibility of ducks in the winter, but she is distracted by the open window, expecting her family to return.

How does Framton react when he sees the figures approaching the window?

Framton becomes frightened when he sees three figures approaching the window, thinking they are ghosts, especially after hearing a voice chanting a line from Vera’s story.

What does Mrs. Sappleton think of Framton when he leaves abruptly?

Mrs. Sappleton finds Framton’s departure odd and believes he is a strange man who had a fixation on his illnesses. She mentions that he ran off without saying goodbye or explaining himself.

What explanation does Vera give for Framton’s sudden departure?

Vera tells her aunt that Framton must have been frightened by the spaniel, as he had a previous traumatic experience involving a pack of dogs chasing him into a cemetery.

What is Vera’s attitude toward storytelling in the story?

Vera shows a knack for storytelling and is very convincing. She creates a dramatic and spooky narrative about her aunt’s tragedy, which contributes to Framton’s panic and hasty exit.