The Open Window Plot Analysis Answers

1. Look up the meaning of the name Vera.  How might Saki's choice of this be considered verbal irony?

This might be Saki's choice for verbal irony because since Vera means truth, Vera in the story is a liar by telling a made up story to Framton.

2.  In what ways is the story's last line ironic?

The story's last line was ironic by we thought that Vera was telling the truth and that Mrs. Sappleton was crazy, but it turned out that Vera was lying and Mrs. Sappleton was not crazy.

3.  Find two other ironic statements in the story.

Two ironic statements in the story are when Framton thought Mrs. Sappleton was crazy because of the story he heard, but she was really not. Another is when the doctors ordered Framton to have complete rest but instead he had a nervous break down and ran away.

4. What is the point of view in the story? How does the point of view create irony?

The point of view in this story is first person limited because we only what Framton is thinking and not anyone else. This point of view creates irony because since we did not know what Vera was thinking, we found out that she was lying making it ironic that her name means truth which she does not turn out to be.

5. Identify important character traits of Framton Nuttel and Vera. What action and lines of dialogue   are the most important in the development of their characters?

Framton Nuttel get nervous quickly and can easily lose his mind. Vera is a liar and she likes to make up things for fun. The action and lines of dialogue that are most important in the development of the characters are...

"The doctors agree in ordering me complete rest, an absence of mental excitement, and avoidance of anything in the nature of violent physical exercise," announced Framton, who labored under the tolerably widespread delusion that total strangers and chance acquaintances are hungry for the least detail of one's ailments and infirmities, their cause and cure. "On the matter of diet they are not so much in agreement." 

This is important because it shows that Framton can not have any excitement and must feel calm.

"Out through that window, three years ago to a day, her husband and her two young brothers went off for their day's shooting. They never came back."

This is also important because it begins Vera's made up story and sets up for Framton's fearful experience.