Question

How does the author use indirect characterization to create satire? The author describes the dog as a tired brown spaniel to highlight the demand of the hunting trip. The author uses Mr. Sappleton’s curiosity about Framton’s sudden departure to showcase Framton’s rudeness. The author employs Mrs. Sappleton’s dialogue to critique the cyclist’s reaction to the near collision. The author uses Framton’s frantic and overexaggerated gestures as humor to show his fearfulness.

Story:
Read the excerpt from "The Open Window."

In the deepening twilight three figures were walking across the lawn towards the window; they all carried guns under their arms, and one of them was additionally burdened with a white coat hung over his shoulders. A tired brown spaniel kept close at their heels. Noiselessly they neared the house, and then a hoarse young voice chanted out of the dusk: "I said, Bertie, why do you bound?”

Framton grabbed wildly at his stick and hat; the hall-door, the gravel-drive, and the front gate were dimly-noted stages in his headlong retreat. A cyclist coming along the road had to run into the hedge to avoid an imminent collision.

"Here we are, my dear,” said the bearer of the white mackintosh, coming in through the window; "fairly muddy, but most of it’s dry. Who was that who bolted out as we came up?”

"A most extraordinary man, a Mr. Nuttel,” said Mrs. Sappleton; "could only talk about his illnesses, and dashed off without a word of good-bye or apology when you arrived. One would think he had seen a ghost.”

Answer 1

Using indirect characterization such as a "tired" dog, Mr. Sappleton’s inquiry, Mrs. Sappleton’s dialogue, and Framton's panicked actions, the author satirically critiques the absurdity of social norms and individual behaviors in 'The Open Window.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The author uses indirect characterization to create satire in The Open Window by detailing actions and dialogue that reveal character traits humorously or ironically. For example, the description of the dog being "tired" highlights the taxing nature of the hunt in a subtly humorous way, suggesting the absurdity of the event's demands. Another example is Framton's exaggerated gestures, which are used for comedic effect to show his irrational fears to the reader, articulating a satire of his cowardice without explicitly stating it.

Additionally, satire is woven through the questioning of Framton's departure by Mr. Sappleton, painting Framton in a rude light, allowing readers to critique his social ineptitude indirectly. Lastly, Mrs. Sappleton's dialogue is used to bring attention to the ludicrousness of the cyclist's reaction, poking fun at dramatic responses to everyday occurrences.

Answer 2

Answer:The author describes the dog as a tired brown spaniel to highlight the demand of the hunting trip. This contrasts with the energetic and cheerful tone of the young voice that chants “I said, Bertie, why do you bound?” The contrast creates a humorous effect and also implies that the hunting trip was not as exciting or successful as the hunters claim.

Step-by-step explanation: