Skip to main content

What does the author tell the reader in his narration that makes Framton Nuttle appear silly and pathetic in "The Open Window"?

Throughout the narration of "The Open Window," Framton Nuttel is depicted as silly and rather pathetic in his efforts to endeavor to "duly flatter" one person while not "unduly discounting" another who is yet to appear, as well as in his terrified reactions to the fabricated tale of Vera.


Anxious and nervous as he talks with Mrs. Sappleton's niece, Framton Nuttel wonders whether Mrs. Sappleton will be "in the nice division." Further, he questions to...

Throughout the narration of "The Open Window," Framton Nuttel is depicted as silly and rather pathetic in his efforts to endeavor to "duly flatter" one person while not "unduly discounting" another who is yet to appear, as well as in his terrified reactions to the fabricated tale of Vera.


Anxious and nervous as he talks with Mrs. Sappleton's niece, Framton Nuttel wonders whether Mrs. Sappleton will be "in the nice division." Further, he questions to himself whether or not this visit to the Sappleton's in the country will help him with his "nerve cure" which he is supposed to be experiencing. Clearly, in this part of the story, Framton seems more the child than Vera, the niece of Mrs. Sappleton, who has been sent into the room to talk with him until she is ready.


After Vera begins her narration of the supposedly tragic events that have occurred in the Sappleton family, she then breaks off "with a little shudder." Framton feels relief seeing Mrs. Sappleton finally enter the room. As she "rattles on" cheerfully, Framton relaxes. Believing that



...total strangers and chance acquaintances are hungry for the least detail of one's ailments and infirmities, their cause and cure



the nervous little man unloads his medical history to the uneasiness and boredom of his listeners. When Mrs. Sappleton gladly announces that the men have returned from their outing, unaware of the tale Vera has concocted, Framton shivers and feels "a shock of nameless fear." He quickly grabs his stick and hat and makes a "headlong retreat" across the hall, the gravel drive, and even the front gate. "A cyclist coming along...had to run into the hedge to avoid imminent collision." 


Framton Nuttel is a pathetic character; he is so tremulous that he cannot relax. Then, when Vera plays her practical joke upon him, he flees in terror.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discuss movements that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and list one success for each group.

African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change... African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change for their agendas. Two examples of moveme...
Post a Comment
Read more