All the
adult characters in the story would regard Framton Nuttel as a terrible bore, a nuisance, and a
pain in the neck. The fact is that nobody likes to hear about other people's aches and pains, or
doctor visits, or diagnoses. He is imposing on these total strangers, and he must be aware that
he is doing it. They hardly knew his sister, and they don't know him at all. The sister is
imposing on them because she had a relationship with their local vicar. Vera is the only one who
is still not "civilized," and we instinctively like her because we identify with her
feelings, her rebellious spirit, and her bizarre sense of humor. The unique thing about this
particular story is that it is actually very funny but none of the characters laughs. The adults
don't understand what is going on. Vera understands but she can't betray her amusement. Poor
Framton Nuttel is only observed in his headlong flight by the reader.
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.
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