Question

“Do you know many of the people round here?” asked the niece, when she judged that they had had sufficient silent communion. “Hardly a soul,” said Framton. “My sister was staying here, at the rectory, you know, some four years ago, and she gave me letters of introduction to some of the people here.” He made the last statement in a tone of distinct regret. “Then you know practically nothing about my aunt?” pursued the self-possessed young lady. 1 of 2 Question Use the excerpt from the story “The Open Window” to answer the question. How does the room shape Nuttel’s assumptions about the strangers who live here? (1 point) Responses He assumes the young lady has invented Mrs. Sappleton. He assumes the young lady has invented Mrs. Sappleton. He assumes Mrs. Sappleton must either be married or widowed. He assumes Mrs. Sappleton must either be married or widowed. He assumes the young lady is trying to coax him to fall in love with her aunt. He assumes the young lady is trying to coax him to fall in love with her aunt. He assumes Mrs. Sappleton will hold him to high standards.

Answer 1

In the excerpt from "The Open Window," Framton Nuttel's assumptions about the strangers living in the area are shaped by the atmosphere of the room and his interactions with the young lady. The fact that he hardly knows anyone speaks to his isolation and perhaps his vulnerability. The young lady's question about whether he knows the locals indicates that she is familiar with the social dynamics, which may lead Nuttel to assume she has a better grasp of the people in the area, including her aunt, Mrs. Sappleton.

From the context, we can infer that Nuttel is likely to assume Mrs. Sappleton is either married or widowed, as this would be a common social expectation given the time period and setting. Thus, the most fitting response would be: He assumes Mrs. Sappleton must either be married or widowed.