Setting

Physical setting

The short story “The Open Window” by Saki takes place in England, probably at the beginning of the 20th century. The name of the “rural retreat” (l. 9) where Framton decides to settle is not mentioned. However, we can assume it is one of many such villages in England. The time setting is October (l. 30), but it is “quite warm for the time of the year” (l. 33). The men return from their hunt “in the deepening twilight” (l. 82), which contributes to the eerie atmosphere created by Vera’s story. 

Mrs. Sappleton’s house, where the action takes place, is a large, elegant villa, with several floors and “a large, French window that opened on to a lawn” (l. 31). The aspect of the house and the fact that the men living there regularly go ...