Use the story the open window to answer the question

Question

Why is it important that Vera is familiar with a Setting a nuttel is not

Answer 1

In Saki's short story "The Open Window," Vera's familiarity with the setting plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the plot and the development of the story's themes. Here are a few reasons why Vera's knowledge of the setting is important, particularly in contrast to Framton Nuttel's unfamiliarity:

1. Control and Manipulation: Vera is well-acquainted with both the physical setting (the house, the open window, and the surrounding area) and the emotional context (her aunt's tragic backstory). This familiarity allows her to manipulate Nuttel's perceptions and reactions effectively. As someone who is new to the setting, Nuttel is at a disadvantage and easily becomes a pawn in Vera's game.

2. Establishing Credibility: Vera’s knowledge of the details of the setting — such as the open window and the story about her aunt's lost husband and brothers — provides her with credibility in the eyes of Nuttel. Since she has intimate knowledge and appears confident, Nuttel is more likely to believe her fabricated story about the "return" of the deceased men, which ultimately leads to the story's climax.

3. Theme of Deception: The contrast between Vera's familiarity and Nuttel's unfamiliarity highlights the theme of deception. Vera's comfortable understanding of her environment allows her to craft a convincing narrative that plays on Nuttel's fears and anxieties. It underscores the idea that those who know the context can manipulate narratives for their own purposes.

4. Creating Tension and Irony: Vera's familiarity with the setting allows for dramatic irony. The reader knows that Vera is deceiving Nuttel, but he does not realize it until the very end. This tension adds depth to the story, as Nuttel's confusion and eventual shock serve to emphasize the impact of Vera's manipulation of the setting to create a false reality.

In summary, Vera's knowledge of the setting allows her to control the narrative, create emotional impact, and illustrate themes of deception and irony, making her familiarity critical to the story's development and its conclusion.