Mrs. Sappleton's Horrible Story

Introduction:
In the short story "The Open Window" by Saki (H.H. Munro), Framton Nuttel visits the countryside in hopes of finding peace and relaxation. However, his encounter with Mrs. Sappleton and her horrifying story has a profound impact on his mind.

Impact of Vera's Lie:
Framton's horror is primarily due to the impact on his mind caused by Vera's lie. Prior to Mrs. Sappleton's entrance, Vera had fabricated a story about her aunt's late husband and brothers going on a hunting trip and never returning. She claimed that her aunt kept the window open in hopes of their return. This lie planted a seed of fear and uncertainty in Framton's mind, making him susceptible to Mrs. Sappleton's words.

Expectation of a Ghost:
When Mrs. Sappleton enters the room and begins talking about her husband and brothers returning from their hunting trip, Framton's mind is already primed for something eerie. He expects to see the ghosts that Vera had described. Mrs. Sappleton's words align with Vera's lie, further intensifying Framton's horror.

Projection of Fear:
Framton's horror is also a projection of his own fear and anxiety. Throughout the story, he is described as a nervous and highly strung individual. His imagination runs wild, and he constantly seeks distractions to alleviate his uneasiness. Mrs. Sappleton's words tap into these underlying fears, causing Framton to experience a heightened sense of horror.

Sudden Pain:
While the option "d) he had a sudden pain" is mentioned as a possible answer, it does not align with the events or the emotions described in the story. There is no mention of Framton experiencing physical pain during his encounter with Mrs. Sappleton. Therefore, option "d" can be ruled out as the correct answer.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Framton's horror in response to Mrs. Sappleton's words is primarily due to the impact of Vera's lie on his mind. The expectation of encountering ghosts, the projection of fear, and Framton's own anxious disposition all contribute to his horrified reaction. The sudden pain option is incorrect as it is not supported by the events or emotions depicted in the story.