Page 310 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade8_Flipbook

aCTIVITy 4.7
continued
2. With your discussion group, discuss what truth about life the author is conveying through humor. Cite specific examples from the graphic organizer.
Preview
In this activity, you will read a short story and think about the author’s use of characterization.
Setting a Purpose for Reading
• As you read the short story, underline words and phrases that reveal something about Nuttel and the niece.
• Circle unknown words and phrases. Try to determine the meaning by using context clues, word parts, or a dictionary.
The Open Window
by Saki (H. H. Munro)
1 “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.”
2 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.
3 “I know how it will be,” his sister had said when he was preparing to migrate to this rural retreat; “you will bury yourself down there and not speak to a living soul, and your nerves will be worse than ever from moping. I shall just give you letters of introduction to all the people I know there. Some of them, as far as I can remember, were quite nice.”
4 Framton wondered whether Mrs. Sappleton, the lady to whom he was presenting one of the letters of introduction, came into the nice division.
5 “Do you know many of the people round here?” asked the niece, when she judged that they had had sufficient silent communion.
my Notes
About the Author
Hector Hugh Munro (1870–1916), better known by the pen name Saki, was a British writer and satirist known for his masterful short stories poking fun at Edwardian society. His witty and intelligent stories are considered among the best the genre has to offer.
short story
Unit 4 • The Challenge of Comedy 283
duly: properly or fittingly
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.