Friday, July 5, 2013

What is the point of view in "The Open Window" and does it change?

In the beginning of the story, the narration is controlled by Vera, Mrs. Sappleton's niece, she shapes the story, telling Framton Nuttel a tall tale about the open window being a memorial for the lost hunters. Vera is in charge of setting up the deception.


It is Vera who provides the crazy setting in the home, that when Mrs. Sappleton comes into the room to greet Mr. Nuttel, he is already scared half out of his mind thinking that she is a nut and that he is observing the arrival of the ghosts of her husband and brother, along with the dog, returning on the anniversary of their deaths in the bog.


Toward the end of the story, the narration shifts away from Vera and is picked up by Mrs. Sappleton who reflects on why Mr. Nuttel ran out of the house with such speed.


Mr. Nuttel's behavior is perceived as rude and unexpected, since he called on the Sappleton's and then rushes out of the house just as Mrs. Sappleton is getting to know him.  Once Nuttel leaves, the reader gets a chance to learn the truth once the narration shifts from Vera to Mrs. Sappleton. 

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