In the excerpt from "The Open Window," the room and its decor play a significant role in shaping Mr. Nuttel's assumptions about the strangers he encounters, particularly Mrs. Sappleton and her family. Given the setting—the room that reflects a certain level of prosperity and perhaps a tragic history—Mr. Nuttel's assumptions are influenced by the atmosphere he finds himself in.
-
He assumes the young lady is trying to coax him to fall in love with her aunt. - This assumption may arise from the context and the way the young lady interacts with him. However, it might not be the primary inference drawn from the room itself but rather from their conversation.
-
He assumes Mrs. Sappleton will hold him to high standards. - Viewing the well-furnished room could lead him to believe that Mrs. Sappleton is a person of refinement and social standing, hence he might feel he needs to meet certain expectations.
-
He assumes Mrs. Sappleton must either be married or widowed. - The presence of the furniture, photographs, and other personal effects could suggest a familial or marital background, leading him to make this assumption based on societal norms.
-
He assumes the young lady has invented Sappleton. - This may stem from his perception of the room; if he finds it odd or unwelcoming, he might question the authenticity of the people associated with it.
In summary, while Mr. Nuttel's assumptions do evolve through his conversation with the young lady, the environment he is in—the room—helps inform his perceptions about the people who live there, particularly in terms of social expectations and the nature of family life. The most fitting assumption, considering the context of the story, could be that he assumes Mrs. Sappleton must either be married or widowed, as the room's decor likely reflects a home life that aligns with traditional societal roles.
1 answer