The Open Window

Question

by H. H. Munro (Saki)

“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.

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Question
Use the excerpt from the story “The Open Window” to answer the question.

How does the setting of the room momentarily shift when the aunt enters?

(1 point)
Responses which answer is correct and why

It seems to remind Nuttel of his own home and sister.
It seems to remind Nuttel of his own home and sister.

It seems to darken into a deeper tragedy.
It seems to darken into a deeper tragedy.

It seems to become less creepy and more dynamic.
It seems to become less creepy and more dynamic.

It seems to spin with her movements.
It seems to spin with her movements.
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Answer 1

The correct response is: It seems to darken into a deeper tragedy.

When the aunt enters the room, there is a significant shift in the atmosphere that introduces a sense of foreboding regarding the story's unfolding tragic elements. This moment contrasts with the relative lightness of the conversation between Framton Nuttel and the niece, suggesting that the arrival of the aunt brings with it a darker undertone related to the story's theme of loss and sorrow. The mention of the aunt’s tragic backstory concerning the open window and her late husband and brothers prepares the reader for the emotional weight that will follow.