Themes: Appearances versus Reality

Saki’s “The Open Window” explores the tenuous territory between appearances and reality. In the world of the story, this divide between appearances and reality is artificial, for it is created by Vera, whose false accounts present the realities at hand in misleading ways.

During the initial conversation between Vera and Framton, Vera takes advantage of Framton’s ignorance and lack of context to tell a tall tale. It is notable that the story...

Themes: The Discomfort of Company

“The Open Window” dramatizes the often uncomfortable nature of social situations, particularly encounters with strangers or new acquaintances. There are several sources of social discomfort and awkwardness in the story: Framton’s unfamiliarity with the Sappletons, Framton’s nervous and tedious nature, and Vera’s falsehoods.

The cause of Framton’s visit is a source of social awkwardness. His sister has written a letter of introduction,...

Themes: The Suspension of Disbelief

“The Open Window” comments on the suspension of disbelief that all storytelling is built upon. Saki’s story-within-a-story structure encourages readers to initially believe that Vera’s ominous tale is true. Because Framton is the story’s viewpoint character until the moment he flees, readers know as much—and as little—as Framton knows for the majority of the story. It is only in the final four paragraphs that readers come to understand the false...

Themes: Deception

Deception is a central theme in "The Open Window," where the young character Vera uses her imagination to weave intricate tales that manipulate those around her. Her skillful storytelling not only entertains her but also reveals the gullibility of her audience. Through Vera's actions, the story explores how easily people can be deceived when they accept information without question.

Vera's motivations for lying are rooted in her desire for...