Class 8 English Notes Chapter 7 (The open window) – It so Happend Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 7, 'The Open Window' from your 'It So Happened' book. This is a wonderfully witty short story by H.H. Munro, who wrote under the pen name 'Saki'. It's known for its cleverness and surprise ending, so understanding the details is crucial, especially if you're preparing for exams. Pay close attention to the notes.

'The Open Window' by Saki (H.H. Munro) - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction:

• Author: H.H. Munro (Saki) - known for his satirical, witty, and often macabre short stories with twist endings.
• Genre: Short Story.
• Setting: The drawing-room of Mrs. Sappleton's country residence in the English countryside. The key element is the large French window, kept wide open on an October afternoon.
• Main Conflict: Framton Nuttel's internal conflict (his nerves) versus the external conflict created by Vera's fabricated story.

2. Characters:

• Framton Nuttel:
  • The protagonist, visiting the countryside for a 'nerve cure' on his doctor's advice.
  • Suffers from anxiety and nervousness.
  • Socially awkward and self-absorbed in his ailments.
  • Carries letters of introduction to meet people in the area, including Mrs. Sappleton.
  • Easily manipulated and gullible.
• Vera:
  • Mrs. Sappleton's niece, described as a "very self-possessed young lady of fifteen."
  • Observant, intelligent, and mischievous.
  • An expert storyteller with a vivid imagination.
  • The antagonist, who creates the story that drives the plot.
  • Her specialty is "romance at short notice" (creating elaborate stories quickly).
• Mrs. Sappleton:
  • Vera's aunt and the lady Framton has come to visit.
  • Portrayed as cheerful, somewhat oblivious, and focused on her husband and brothers.
  • Unaware of Vera's story and Framton's resulting terror. Her mundane conversation about the hunting party contrasts sharply with the tragic tale Framton believes.
• The 'Ghosts' (as per Vera's story):
  • Mr. Sappleton (the husband).
  • Mrs. Sappleton's two young brothers.
  • Their little brown spaniel.
  • (In reality, they are alive and well, returning from their day's shooting).

3. Plot Summary:

• Arrival: Framton Nuttel arrives at the Sappleton house, feeling nervous about meeting strangers.
• Meeting Vera: While waiting for Mrs. Sappleton, he is entertained (or rather, unsettled) by her niece, Vera.
• Vera's Story: Noticing the open window, Vera weaves a tragic tale. She claims that three years ago, her aunt's husband and two younger brothers went out for a day's shooting through that window and never returned. They, along with their dog, were supposedly engulfed in a treacherous bog. She adds that her poor aunt keeps the window open every evening until dusk, expecting their return, clinging to the belief they will walk back in. She vividly describes their appearance, including the white waterproof coat carried by one brother and the spaniel.
• Mrs. Sappleton's Arrival: Mrs. Sappleton enters, cheerful and apologetic for the open window, explaining she expects her husband and brothers back from shooting any moment. She talks enthusiastically about their hunt.
• Framton's Discomfort: Framton, horrified and believing Mrs. Sappleton to be mentally disturbed and delusional, tries awkwardly to steer the conversation towards his nerve cure, thinking it an inappropriate topic but better than the 'ghostly' subject.
• The Return: Suddenly, Mrs. Sappleton points excitedly towards the window as three figures matching Vera's description (including the white coat and the dog) walk across the lawn towards the open window. One of them says, "Here we are, my dear... fairly muddy, but most of it's dry."
• Framton's Panic: Believing he is seeing ghosts, the already nervous Framton grabs his hat and stick and flees the house in terror without a word of goodbye.
• The Explanation: As Framton bolts, Mrs. Sappleton expresses confusion at his abrupt departure. Vera, quick as ever, invents another story on the spot. She calmly explains that Framton Nuttel probably fled because he has a morbid fear of dogs, caused by being hunted into a cemetery somewhere on the banks of the Ganges by a pack of pariah dogs and having to spend the night in a newly dug grave.
• Ending: The story concludes with the line, "Romance at short notice was her speciality," revealing Vera's talent for impromptu, imaginative storytelling (lying).

4. Themes:

• Deception and Mischief: Vera's deliberate manipulation through storytelling is central.
• Appearance vs. Reality: What Framton perceives (ghosts, a delusional aunt) is vastly different from the reality (a normal return from hunting, a mischievous niece). The open window itself symbolizes this – intended as a sign of hope by Mrs. Sappleton (in Vera's tale), but ultimately the entry point for Framton's terror.
• Nervousness and Anxiety: Framton's pre-existing condition makes him particularly vulnerable to Vera's story. His focus on his nerves prevents him from critically assessing the situation.
• The Power of Storytelling/Imagination: Vera controls the situation entirely through her fabricated narratives, highlighting how stories can shape perception and evoke strong emotional responses.
• Social Conventions: Framton's visit is dictated by social norms (letters of introduction), and his awkward attempts at conversation highlight the rigidity and potential absurdity of these conventions.

5. Literary Devices:

• Irony:
  • Situational Irony: Framton seeks peace and quiet for his nerves but finds terror instead.
  • Dramatic Irony: The reader becomes aware (or strongly suspects) that Vera is lying, while Framton believes her story completely. We also know the men are real, while Framton thinks they are ghosts.
• Foreshadowing: Vera asking Framton if he knows anyone locally subtly prepares the ground for her story, ensuring he has no prior knowledge to contradict her. The description "self-possessed" hints at Vera's control and capability for mischief.
• Suspense: Built effectively through Vera's detailed, tragic story and the anticipation of whether the figures will appear.
• Surprise Ending (Twist Ending): Saki's trademark – the revelation that Vera fabricated the entire ghost story, and then immediately fabricates another story about Framton's fear of dogs.
• Characterization: Quick and effective portrayal of characters through dialogue and description (Framton's nervousness, Vera's composure, Mrs. Sappleton's chatter).

6. Key Vocabulary:

• Nerve cure: Treatment for anxiety/nervous disorders.
• Letters of introduction: Formal letters to introduce someone to new people in a social circle.
• Self-possessed: Calm, confident, and in control of one's feelings.
• Bog: Wet, muddy ground too soft to support a heavy body.
• Snipe shooting: Hunting a type of bird called snipe.
• Delusion: A false belief held despite evidence to the contrary.
• Romance at short notice: Creating imaginative and often untrue stories quickly.
• Pariah dogs: Wild or stray dogs, often living in packs.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Here are 10 questions to test your understanding:

1. Why is Framton Nuttel visiting the countryside?
   a) To visit his relatives
   b) For a business trip
   c) To undergo a nerve cure
   d) To go hunting

2. Who provides Framton with letters of introduction?
   a) His doctor
   b) His sister
   c) His aunt
   d) Mrs. Sappleton

3. What reason does Vera initially give for the French window being open?
   a) To air the room
   b) Because her aunt likes the view
   c) Because her aunt expects her husband and brothers to return that way
   d) Because the dog likes to go in and out

4. According to Vera's first story, what happened to Mrs. Sappleton's husband and brothers?
   a) They moved away
   b) They were lost in a bog while hunting
   c) They died in an accident abroad
   d) They had an argument and left

5. How long ago did the supposed tragedy occur, according to Vera?
   a) One year ago
   b) Two years ago
   c) Three years ago
   d) Five years ago

6. What is Mrs. Sappleton talking about when she finally appears?
   a) Framton's illness
   b) Vera's storytelling
   c) The weather and gardening
   d) Her husband and brothers returning from shooting

7. Why does Framton Nuttel flee the house in terror?
   a) He sees Vera playing a prank.
   b) He thinks he has seen ghosts.
   c) Mrs. Sappleton becomes angry with him.
   d) He suddenly remembers another appointment.

8. What characteristic best describes Vera?
   a) Shy and nervous
   b) Sad and lonely
   c) Imaginative and mischievous
   d) Kind and considerate

9. What explanation does Vera give for Framton's sudden departure?
   a) He received an urgent telegram.
   b) He felt his nervous condition worsening.
   c) He had a morbid fear of dogs.
   d) He was offended by Mrs. Sappleton.

10. What does the phrase "Romance at short notice was her speciality" mean in the context of the story?
    a) Vera was good at arranging quick dates.
    b) Vera enjoyed reading romantic novels quickly.
    c) Vera was skilled at inventing elaborate stories instantly.
    d) Vera liked brief, exciting adventures.

Answer Key:

1. c) To undergo a nerve cure
2. b) His sister
3. c) Because her aunt expects her husband and brothers to return that way
4. b) They were lost in a bog while hunting
5. c) Three years ago
6. d) Her husband and brothers returning from shooting
7. b) He thinks he has seen ghosts.
8. c) Imaginative and mischievous
9. c) He had a morbid fear of dogs.
10. c) Vera was skilled at inventing elaborate stories instantly.

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the interplay between the characters, the clever plot construction, and Saki's use of irony is key to appreciating 'The Open Window' and tackling any related questions. Good luck with your preparation!