The Open Window

The Open Window Irony

Vera’s Name (Verbal Irony)

Vera’s name is a play on the word 'veracity', meaning 'truth'. Ironically, she is the trickster of the story, always spinning a new tale to her audience.

Girl Trickster (Situational Irony)

In Saki’s time girls were frequently portrayed as trustworthy and honest people. It is thus ironic that he chooses a female character to play the role of trickster and storyteller in “The Open Window.”

Framton's Fright (Situational Irony)

Framton retreats to the countryside in order to recover from a bout of nerves. Ironically, the countryside only adds to his anxiety and Framton is thrown into another nervous fit when he believes he has seen ghosts.