Tuesday, October 14, 2014

What is the significance of the title of "The Open Window" by H. M. Munro?

I think there are two meanings to this title of this
excellent short story, the first being literal and the second being symbolic. Firstly,
the open window is what Vera uses as the basis of her story to trick the susceptible Mr.
Framton Nuttel. It is the open window that Vera uses to start off her chilling story,
and it is the return of her uncles through that very open window that triggers Framton
Nuttel's hasty departure. Of course, Mrs. Sappleton plays into Vera's hands with her
reference to the open window:


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"I hope you don't mind the open window," said
Mrs. Sappleton briskly; "my husband and brothers will be home directly from shooting,
and they always come in this
way."



Yet, to consider it
from another perspective, I think there is a way of reading the title symbolically. The
open window can likewise refer to the way that Framton Nuttel leaves himself open or
exposed to be tricked by Vera. There is something about his gullible nature that results
in him being tricked very easily. Thus the title could also be seen to refer to Framton
Nuttel and to act as a warning to readers, so we do not open ourselves to being tricked
in the same way that he did.

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