“The Open Window” by Saki - Norwell Public Schools

Name: _____________________ Section: _________________ H.W. # _____________
“The Open Window” by Saki
STANDARD PACE: Story Study Guide – Answer each of the following questions in COMPLETE
sentences on lined paper. Remember to begin each sentence by rephrasing the question being asked.
A. Vocabulary – Define the following vocabulary terms including parts of speech. Use each term
appropriately in a well-developed sentence.
1) endeavor(ed) -
2) migrate -
3) rectory -
4) moor -
5) snipe -
6) bog -
7) infirmities -
8) ghastly -
9) imminent -
10) pariah -
B. Answer each of the following questions in complete sentences. REMEMBER to begin each
sentence by REPHRASING the question being asked.
11) Identify and describe the two main characters in the story. Who is the protagonist Who is the
antagonist (Accelerated Pace: Explain how the characterization is developed for each. Is it
through direct or indirect characterization or are both techniques employed Provide
evidence.)
12) Why has Framton Nuttel taken a trip
13) Fully describe the story’s setting, including place and time (month, time of day).
14) Vera tells Framton a ghastly story. Thoroughly summarize the story.
15) Describe Framton’s departure from Mrs. Sappleton’s home. What caused his departure

EXTRA CREDIT FOR STANDARD PACE: Complete as many of the following questions as
you can in order to earn extra credit for this assignment. Be sure to answer in COMPLETE
sentences and begin by REPHRASING EACH QUESTION.
16) What explanation does Vera offer to her aunt to explain Framton’s behavior at his departure
How is her statement “Enough to make anyone lose their nerve” an example of verbal irony
(contrast between what is said or written and what is really meant)
17) Nuttel’s entire experience at Mrs. Sappleton’s home is an example of situational irony (when what
occurs is very different from what we expect would happen). Explain this situational irony in “The
Open Window”.
18) Select a specific line(s) from the story that foreshadows the events to follow and explain why the
line represents foreshadowing.
19) Consider the names of the three characters: Vera, Mr. Nuttel, and Mrs. Sappleton. Just like other
writers such as Poe, Saki likely chose these names for his characters for specific reasons. Look up
the meaning of the name Vera, and the definitions of the base words nut and sap. What does each
mean and how might these names be an example of Saki’s sense of humor and wit at play
20) Saki’s central message or theme might possibly relate to his thoughts about the
intelligence/ingenuity of children vs. adults. Similar to the writings of Roald Dahl (Matilda,
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, etc.), Saki was sympathetic to the voice/imagination of children
especially when that voice and creativity was being stifled by rule-conforming adults. To the
best of your ability state the theme of “The Open Window.” What might Saki being trying to say
about human behavior as it relates to children and adults.