In H.H. Munro’s “The Open Window,” the characters of Vera and Framton Nuttel serve to highlight the theme of deception and the subjective nature of reality. In lines 22-24, Vera’s cunning and imaginative nature is juxtaposed against Framton’s nervous and naive disposition.
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Vera’s Character Traits: Vera is portrayed as clever, manipulative, and confident. She takes pleasure in creating a dramatic narrative about her aunt's supposed tragedy, using her storytelling skills to exploit Framton’s vulnerability. Her ability to fabricate an elaborate story reflects a theme of deception, as she plays with reality to entertain herself and assert control over the situation. Vera's manipulation demonstrates how easily one's perception of reality can be distorted by a skilled storyteller.
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Framton’s Character Traits: Framton Nuttel is characterized as anxious, gullible, and socially inept. His nervous disposition makes him susceptible to Vera's tales, as he lacks the discernment to question her account. His reliance on the social visit as a means to calm his nerves ultimately becomes his downfall. Framton’s inability to cope with the unexpected culminates in his breakdown, revealing how vulnerability can lead to exploitation.
The interplay between Vera’s deceit and Framton’s naivety underscores the theme that perception is not always aligned with reality. Vera’s manipulation leads to Framton's shock and the story’s ironic conclusion, emphasizing how easily one can be misled when they lack confidence and critical thinking skills. Together, these character traits illustrate the story’s message about the fragility of social etiquette and the unpredictable nature of human interactions.
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