Like the Sun/The Open Window

​Like the Sun/The Open Window

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​Literary Analysis: Irony and Paradox

Irony is the effect created when a writer makes a forceful contrast between words or expectations and reality.

•In situational irony, something happens that directly contradicts strong expectations. For example, if you go through a door expecting a surprise party and instead find an empty room, you actually will be surprised.

•In verbal irony, words are used to “say” the opposite. If it starts to rain, and you say, “Oh, this is great” to mean “Oh, this is awful,” you are using verbal irony.

•In dramatic irony, the reader or audience knows something that a character or speaker does not. In “Like the Sun,” for example, the reader knows about Sekhar’s experiment, but

the headmaster does not.

Another kind of contrast writers use is paradox. A paradox expresses two contradictory ideas and yet also reveals a truth. “You must sometimes be cruel to be kind” is one example of a paradox.

Subject | Subject

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Multiple Select

“No. I want it immediately—your frank opinion. Was it good?” “No, sir. . .” Sekhar replied.

• situational irony

• dramatic irony

• verbal irony

• paradox

Multiple Choice

“You have to be cruel to be kind.”

• situational irony

• dramatic irony

• verbal irony

• paradox

Multiple Select

"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."

• situational irony

• dramatic irony

• verbal irony

• paradox

Multiple Select

"One would think he had seen a ghost."

• situational irony

• dramatic irony

• verbal irony

• paradox

Multiple Choice

In “Like the Sun,” what reason does Sekhar give for his experiment?

• It will be amusing to see people’s reactions.

• Without truth, life is meaningless.

• Pleasing people has become tedious.

• The sun shines, but not forever.

Multiple Choice

In “Like the Sun,” how is Sekhar’s response to his wife’s cooking ironic?

• She spent hours preparing a special meal.

• He usually enjoys breakfast.

• She knew he would not like the meal.

• She did not expect him to be so honest.

Multiple Choice

In “Like the Sun,” what becomes the most difficult test of Sekhar’s vow?

• being honest with his co-workers

• telling the truth about the headmaster’s singing

• listening to music he does not typically enjoy

• grading one hundred test papers in a single night

Multiple Choice

In “Like the Sun,” what is ironic about the headmaster’s response to Sekhar the day after Sekhar visits his home?

• The headmaster is openly angry with Sekhar.

• The headmaster refuses to speak to Sekhar.

• The headmaster has accepted Sekhar’s opinion.

• The headmaster rewards Sekhar for telling the truth.

Multiple Choice

In “Like the Sun,” what does Sekhar’s firm commitment to his experiment say about his character?

• He wants to become an honest person.

• He does not truly value his friends and loved ones.

• He wants to be considerate at all costs.

• He enjoys hurting people’s feelings.

Multiple Choice

In “Like the Sun,” what does Sekhar mean when he says telling the truth is a “luxury”?

• Being honest at all times is a challenge.

• The experiment has proved to be a waste of time.

• Only people who do not need to succeed or be liked can practice total honesty.

• It is expensive to be honest and so should only be practiced by the very wealthy.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following events occurs first in “The Open Window”?

• Vera makes up a story about Framton’s fear of dogs.

• Framton grabs his belongings and runs frantically from the house.

• Framton goes into detail about his ailments and infirmities.

• Mrs. Sappleton announces that her husband and brothers will soon return from shooting.

Multiple Choice

Why is Vera able to fool Framton so easily?

• Framton was planning to leave early anyway.

• Framton seems tired and lacking in good judgment.

• Vera is shrewd and manipulative, while Framton is self-absorbed and conventional.

• Vera has tricked other house guests into leaving.

Multiple Choice

Based on details in “The Open Window,” what caused Vera to tell Framton the story of her aunt’s “great tragedy”?

• She wanted him to understand her aunt’s present state of mind.

• She was upset and felt that Framton was someone she could talk to.

• She had no self-control and blathered on about private family matters.

• She found Framton’s company insufferable and wanted to get rid of him.

Multiple Choice

What is ironic about Mrs. Sappleton’s remark, “One would think he had seen a ghost”?

• She does not realize that Framton believes he has seen a ghost.

• Framton definitely has seen a ghost.

• Mrs. Sappleton does not understand why Framton leaves.

• Mrs. Sappleton seems annoyed with Framton.

Multiple Choice

“The Open Window” by Saki is mostly about

• how to behave around particularly boring visitors.

• how misinformation affects our perceptions.

• the unexpected effects of playing tricks.

• the possibility that ghosts really exist.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a central idea of “The Open Window”?

• It is impossible to please everyone.

• Young people care only about themselves.

• Self-centered people tend to be gullible.

• Dealing with strangers can be risky.

Multiple Choice

Both “Like the Sun” and “The Open Window” explore themes related to

• betrayal and death.

• greed and power.

• honesty and deception.

• knowledge and ignorance.

Multiple Choice

Which occurs when the reader knows something that a character or speaker does not?

• situational irony

• verbal irony

• dramatic irony

• paradox

Multiple Choice

What do the headmaster in “Like the Sun” and Mr. Framton in “The Open Window” have in common?

• Both are gullible.

• Both manipulate others.

• Both insist on the absolute truth.

• Both have their expectations violated.