Parent Guide > The Open Window

This week in class, we’re reading "The Open Window" by Saki.

A British author who wrote under the pen name Saki, Hector Hugh Munro was known for his satire of Edwardian society. In this story, an anxious man is prescribed rest for his nervous condition but encounters a devious host during his retreat.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Comedy & Tragedy and Fear & Paranoia as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"What can we learn from comedy?" and "How can fear be used to manipulate?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this short story at home:
  • What was "The Open Window" about?
  • What did you learn about Comedy & Tragedy?
  • What did you learn about Fear & Paranoia?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • '5 Ridiculous Victorian Era Rules'
  • 'The Open Window - Short Film Adaptation'