The Open Window
Study Guide

Comprehension
1. For what reason is Framton Nuttel living in the country?

2. Why is he visiting the Stappleton’s?

3. Explain what causes Nuttel to rush from the hous so suddenly.

4. How does Vera explain Nuttel’s departure?

Interpret
5. Contrast the personalities of Framton and Vera. What personality traits of Framton make him susceptible to her story?

6. Saki concludes the story with the statement “Romance at short notice was her specialty.” Explain this statement.

Evaluate
7. Do you think the story’s ending is effective?

Apply
8. Explain how a person’s expectations can lead him or her to misunderstand or misinterpret obvious facts.

Literary Focus

9. What is the climax of the story?

Self-Test



"The Open Window," Saki (H. H. Munro)
1. Why is Framton Nuttel staying in the country?
He is staying to heal a broken leg.
He is staying to calm a nervous condition.
He is staying to help his allergies.

2. What personality traits of Nuttel make him susceptible to Vera's story?
He is a good listener.
He is nervous and suspicious.
He is timid and gullible.

3. Which of the following is a clue that Vera is about to tell Nuttel a lie?
She announces that her aunt suffered a tragedy.
She crosses her fingers behind her back.
She is persistent in making sure that he knows nothing about her aunt.

4. What causes Nuttel to rush from the house?
Men fitting Vera's description of the dead men approach the window.
The hunters point their guns in his direction.
He has a "horror of dogs" and flees when he sees a spaniel.

5. In what sense does the story end in three ways?
The reader is left unsure whether the men are ghosts, whether Nuttel is crazy, or whether Vera is lying.
Vera tells three different lies.
Nuttel, the aunt, and the reader each see the same series of events differently.