Saki effectively uses elements creating suspense in the short story, "The Open Window." The reader learns within the first few lines that the protagonist of the story, Framton Nuttel, has fragile nerves for which he is seeking a cure. This information provides the reader with a sense of concern regarding Framton. In addition, Vera, the antagonist, is twice referred to as "self-possessed." A tone of suspense is set by providing the reader with this information early in the story. There is some apprehension at the meeting of these two characters.
When Vera discovers that Framton has never met her aunt, the reader sees a change in Vera's description. The author then refers to her as a "child." Suspense is again created around this sudden change in Vera's manner as she goes from being "self-possessed" to being a "child." Vera goes on to tell the story of her aunt's "great tragedy" that took place "three years ago to a day." Again, the reader is persuaded to become concerned with poor Framton's bad luck to arrive exactly three years after Mrs. Sappleton's "great tragedy."
Another element creating suspense is the repeated mention of the window. Vera says, "You may wonder why we keep that window wide open on an October afternoon." She then explains that her aunt's husband and brothers left through the window and never returned. The window is mentioned again when Vera shares that her aunt keeps the window open as if she expects their return. When Mrs. Sappleton finally appears, she mentions the window by saying, "I hope you don't mind the open window." Finally, as she talks with Framton, Mrs. Sappleton continues to glance at the open window. The reader's attention is continually pulled back to the window. As a result, suspense is created regarding what will happen with the window. The suspense reaches a climax when Mrs. Sappleton announces the return of her husband and brothers, and Framton turns to see the figures approaching the window.
There are a number of techniques authors use for creating suspense, some are vocabulary, dialogue, setting, mood and tone. The main mechanism for building suspense in "The Open Window" is through a structural technique. Saki juxtaposes Framton's need for complete mental rest and the horrible story, with its grizzly expectation, Vera is telling to him. The reader knows Framton's need for mental rest and tranquility and feels the building, mentally unsettling, horror of the story of the three beloved men--and spaniel--being lost in a quagmire of the bog. The possibility that is raised that the men and spaniel might come back through the ceiling-to-floor French window continues the suspense once it is begun.
Another structural technique in the characterization of Vera adds further to the suspense. The fact that she asks questions about Framton's knowledge of the area and of her aunt in particular lends a suspenseful chill to the story as it progresses. In addition, her seemingly offhand remark about the open window in October, right after mentioning the "tragedy,"...
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adds to the suspense because it makes readers alert to the titular theme (the theme represented by the title): "The Open Window."
"You may wonder why we keep that window wide open on an October afternoon," said the niece, indicating a large French window that opened on to a lawn.
How does the author create suspense in "The Open Window"?
The author creates suspense by using a narrative style that is unique and characters who are believable. The narrative structure is that of frame story. Usually, in a frame story we have one narrator and it is impossible to check to see if that narrator is truthful. Here, Vera seems to be truthful when she tells Nuttel the story of Mr.Sappleton and the hunting party but as the story progresses, the reader sees her for what she is: a liar who is either bored or malicious or both. The irony is that poor Framden Nuttel never stays around long enough to see the joke that has been played on him but the reader is let in on the joke. Suspense is also created because Vera and Nuttel are both believable characters and, at first,the story she tells is a suspenseful one itself. It is only at the end, when she begins another story to explain Nuttel's quick departure, that we fully understand her character. But the readers are the only ones let in on the joke. Nuttel and Mrs. Sappleton still think Vera is a good, normal young lady. This leaves us wondering what she will be up to next.
How does the author create suspense in "The Open Window"?
Although Saki never intended the readers of this story to take his yarn seriously, he maintains interest through vivid character portrayal and anticipation of events. One can see Vera setting the trap for Mr Nuttel (aleady 'a nut case') and his falling directly into it. This is more slapstick comedy than mystery intrigue, but the story is a delight to read just the same. One can't help but admire naughty Vera, who can think on her feet and keep a dead calm when the pressure's on.
How is suspense built around "The Open Window"?
The open window as the frame for her fabricated story lends a false sense of truth as openness is usually suggestive of veracity. By this initial deception, Vera establishes suspension of disbelief on the part of Mr. Nuttel. Her use of words such as tragedy in a "restful country spot [where]tragedies seemed out of place" creates immediate suspense. Then, Vera points to the window and suggests its connection to the "tragedy." Her breaking voice that becomes "falteringly human" as she says that the bodies were never recovered certainly adds to the suspense, as well.
Certainly, there is also some suspense when, after Vera has told Mr. Nuttel that the aunt refuses to believe that the men of her family are gone, and the aunt appears, Nuttel wonders what this woman will say about the open window before them.
How is suspense built around "The Open Window"?
After Vera ascertains that Mr. Nuttel knows nothing about her family, she makes the open window the center of the conversation. The fact that the hunters are lost out on the moors add mystery to the story. At first, the open window symbolizes the grief felt by Vera's aunt at the loss of her husband and sons. When her aunt comes into the room, she again brings attention to the open window, waiting for her husband and sons to return. Vera's aunt seems to authenticate Vera's story, and this adds more suspense to the story, especially when we hear the father and sons returning from their hunt.