The Open Window

The open window symbolizes hope as well as the expansive nature of imagination and storytelling. Throughout the second half of the story, Mrs. Sappleton glances through the open window looking for what she longs for—the return of her husband and brothers. She hopes that she will catch a glimpse of them coming across the lawn toward the window.

However, the window also represents the hope Vera finds through creating stories. For her, the window provides a way of escape both literally—she could flee through it—and figuratively—it inspires her imagination, which is her current mode of flight. The open window is symbolic of the reach of Vera’s imagination and the impact of storytelling. It indicates that, though trapped in her societal role, her mind has the power to carry herself and others to freedom because its possibilities are endless—something she displays as she creates two stories in quick succession inspired by movement through the window.

Mrs. Sappleton symbolizes Edwardian society and its customs and etiquette. She is a lady of the house who thrives on appearances and attempts to play her hostess role well. She “whirls” into the story with apologies for being late, suggesting that she has fallen short of her duties as the woman of the house by not promptly greeting her guest upon his arrival (Paragraph 15).