The Open Window by Hector Hugh Munro
A young woman's story about a man who becomes convinced that he has seen a murder through an open window, but it turns out to be a trick of the light and a harmless scene. The story explores themes of perception, deception, and the power of suggestion.
By Hector Hugh Munro · First published 1898 · Genre: Short Story, Humor, Psychological Fiction · 1,432 words
First lines
"My aunt will be down presently, Mr. Nuttel," said a very self-possessed young lady of fifteen; "in the meantime you must try and put up with me."
Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come. Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits on a succession of total strangers would do much towards helping the nerve cure which he was supposed to be undergoing.
What this Textopian page supports
The Open Window is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hector Hugh Munro, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hector Hugh Munro
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Humor, Psychological Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Satire
- Length: 1,432 words
- Structure: 1 section, 30 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Open Window by Hector Hugh Munro
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Open Window?
- How does this short story by Hector Hugh Munro fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- His Doubt by O. Henry
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a single incident, typical of short stories.
- Humor — The story employs irony and wit, particularly in the twist ending, to create a humorous effect.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative explores the psychological state of Framton Nuttel and his reaction to the niece's tale.
- Gothic Fiction — Elements of suspense and the supernatural are suggested through the niece's fabricated ghost story.
Tags
Short Story · Mystery · Thriller · Psychological Fiction · Suspense · Crime · Murder · Deception · Betrayal · Social Commentary · Class Satire · English Literature