Question

literary elements plot: the sequence of events in a story is called its plot. the plot begins with the exposition, or the introduction of the characters, the setting, and the conflict. rising action occurs as complications, twists, or intensifications of the conflict occur. this action leads up to the climax, or emotional high point of the story. the climax gives way rapidly to its logical result in the falling action, and finally to the resolution, in which the final outcome is revealed. 1. summarize the exposition and rising action of “the open window.” 2. what is the climax of the story? how do you know? 3. explain how the author intended to surprise his readers in the story’s resolution. was the ending effective? why or why not? • see literary terms handbook, p. r9.

Explanation:

1. Summarize the exposition and rising action of "The Open Window"

• Exposition: In "The Open Window", the exposition introduces Framton Nuttel, a man with a nervous condition, who has come to the countryside to relax. He is visiting the Sappleton family, and he meets Vera, the fifteen - year - old niece of Mrs. Sappleton. The setting is the Sappleton's home in the countryside. The conflict is subtly introduced as Framton is in an unfamiliar social situation, and Vera begins to tell her story.
• Rising Action: Vera tells Framton a fabricated story about Mrs. Sappleton's husband and two brothers who went hunting three years ago and never returned, and that Mrs. Sappleton still leaves the window open every day hoping they will come back. As Framton listens to this story, he becomes more and more uneasy. The tension builds as Mrs. Sappleton enters and starts talking about her husband and brothers coming back, and Framton's nervousness intensifies with each passing moment as he waits for the "tragedy" to unfold.

• Climax: The climax occurs when Framton sees what he believes to be the ghosts of Mrs. Sappleton's husband and brothers walking towards the open window. This is the emotional high - point of the story because it is the moment of greatest tension. Framton's nervous condition reaches a breaking point, and the reader is also at the peak of suspense, wondering what will happen next as Framton reacts to this "supernatural" event.
• How we know: Before this moment, the tension has been building as Framton listens to Vera's story and becomes more nervous. After this moment, the action falls as Framton flees in terror, and the resolution (revealing Vera's trick) follows. This moment is the peak of the story's tension and the turning point from building suspense to the release of that suspense.

• Author's Surprise Intent: The author, Saki, intended to surprise readers by revealing in the resolution that Vera's story about the "dead" husband and brothers was a lie. The men who Framton thought were ghosts are actually alive and returning from a hunting trip. Vera made up the story to amuse herself at Framton's expense.
• Effectiveness of the Ending: The ending is effective. It provides a sudden and unexpected twist. The reader, like Framton, is led to believe in the supernatural - like event, and then the truth is revealed, showing Vera's mischievous nature. This twist makes the story memorable and highlights the theme of the unreliability of appearances and the power of storytelling (even false storytelling) to manipulate others. It also creates a sense of irony as Framton's fear - driven reaction is shown to be based on a complete fabrication.

Answer:

• Exposition: Introduces Framton Nuttel (nervous, visiting countryside to relax), the Sappleton home setting, and Vera (niece) who starts a story. Conflict: Framton's unfamiliar social situation and Vera's story setup.
• Rising Action: Vera tells Framton a false story of Mrs. Sappleton's missing husband/brothers; Framton grows uneasy as Mrs. Sappleton talks of their return, tension builds.

2. What is the climax of the story? How do you know?