With Saki's "The Open Window" being a frame story, there
are actually two different plots. Since the tall-tale of Vera is framed by the outer
narrative about Framton Nuttel's arrival, we may, perhaps refer to Vera's tale as the
inner plot. Here is an outline of these two
narratives.
Outer
exposition
Framton Nuttel arrives at the
Stappleton home with his letter of introduction. Vera, Mrs. Stappleton's niece is sent
by her aunt to keep him company while she finishes her preparations. Vera asks Framton
if he knows any of the people in the
area.
Inner
exposition
After Vera learns that Nuttel
knows no one, she launches into her tale of her aunt's "great tragedy" remarking that
Nuttel may wonder why the French window is
open.
Inner
complications
Vera's fabrication includes
the event of Mrs. Stappleton's husband and two younger brothers' having gone
hunting.
Inner
climax
The hunters became trapped in a
treacherous bog and were engulfed as they were pulled
down.
Inner
denouement
Their bodies were never found,
and to this day, the deluded Mrs. Stappleton yet watches for their
return.
Outer
complication
Mrs. Stappleton finally arrives
and apologies for her tardiness. Then, she explains that her husband and brothers are
out hunting and will soon return. Unnerved by this statement, Nuttel nervously watches
the open window.
Outer
climax
In his disturbed state, Nuttel
explains that he needs "an absence of mental excitement." However, Mrs. Stappleton
cries out shortly, "Here they are at last!" Hearing this Nuttel observes the "dazed
horror" on the face of Vera. Then, when he sees the three male figures approaching, he
panics.
Outer Falling
action
Nuttel bolts from the room without a
word to Mrs. Stappleton. Amazed, the aunt comments on him to her
niece.
Outer
denouement
In another fabrication, Vera
tells her aunt that Nuttel has been attacked by dogs at one time: Saki ends with an
ironic witticism: "Romance at short notice was her speciality"
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