The Open Window by Saki | Short Exam Notes

A Story of Deception

STRUCTURE

• A story within a story.
• The larger Frame Narrative is that of Mr. Nuttel’s arrival at Mrs. Sappleton’s house.
• Within this the next story.

SYMBOLS

• The open window – a symbol
• Mrs. Sappleton’s anguish/ heartbreak.
• Later becomes the sign of deceit itself.
• A symbol of honesty cleverly being used as a symbol of deceit.

NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

• Third person narrative, meaning that – action presented by a person who is not involved in the story.
• This allows the narrator to present different views.
• ‘Tall Tale’ – exaggerated.

THEMES

• Appearances and Reality.
• Deception.
• Imagination

NOTE TO PONDER ON

• Amusement and Shock being a good answer for nervous problem.