“The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

“The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield, first appeared in 1922 in The Nation and Athenaeum, a prominent British periodical and was subsequently included in The Doves’ Nest and Other Stories, a collection published posthumously in 1923. “The Fly” embodies Mansfield’s modernist approach to literature, utilizing stream-of-consciousness narration to delve into the protagonist’s emotional state. Composed in the years following World War I, the story subtly reflects the war’s enduring impact on individuals and their relationships.

Main Events in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

1. Comfort in the Office: Mr. Woodifield finds solace in the comfortable environment of Mr. Frank’s office, contrasting with his lonely and restricted life at home due to his retirement and stroke.
2. Symbolism of Office Upgrades: Mr. Frank takes pride in the recent upgrades to his office, symbolizing his desire for control and stability amidst personal and professional uncertainties.
3. Whisky as a Comfort: Mr. Frank offers whisky to Mr. Woodifield as a gesture of kindness and camaraderie, highlighting the solace found in shared moments and the temporary escape from life’s hardships.
4. News of Graves: Mr. Woodifield shares news about the graves of their sons, prompting Mr. Frank to confront his grief and the passage of time.
5. Grief and Loss: Mr. Frank’s grief over his son’s death resurfaces, revealing the depth of his emotional turmoil and the ongoing impact of loss.
6. Memories of the Past: Memories of his son flood Mr. Frank’s mind, illustrating the lingering pain and the inability to move on from the past.
7. Cruelty Towards the Fly: Mr. Frank’s treatment of the trapped fly reflects his sense of powerlessness and frustration, as well as a darker aspect of his character.
8. Symbolism of the Fly: The fly trapped in ink symbolizes mortality, vulnerability, and the inevitability of death, mirroring Mr. Frank’s own struggles with mortality and control.
9. Final Act of Cruelty: Mr. Frank’s decision to end the fly’s life reflects his own sense of hopelessness and the inability to cope with his emotions in a constructive manner.
10. Loss of Connection: The story ends with Mr. Frank’s inability to recall his previous thoughts, symbolizing his disconnection from his emotions and his struggle to find meaning in his life.

Literary Devices in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“They’re quite near each other, it seems.”	Allusion refers to a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. Here, the reference to the graves implies the shared loss experienced by both characters.
Anaphora	“Over and under, over and under, went a leg along a wing.”	Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. In this example, the repetition of “over and under” emphasizes the repetitive nature of the fly’s actions.
Assonance	“Beautifully looked after. Couldn’t be better if they were at home.”	Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. In this case, the repetition of the “oo” sound in “beautifully” and “couldn’t” creates a melodious effect and emphasizes the sense of comfort and care.
Consonance	“Nice broad paths.”	Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of nearby words. The repetition of the “d” sound in “broad” and “paths” creates a smooth and rhythmic effect, enhancing the imagery of spaciousness and tranquility.
Foreshadowing	“It was plain from his voice how much he liked a nice broad path.”	Foreshadowing hints at future events or outcomes in the narrative. Here, Woodifield’s admiration for broad paths subtly foreshadows the theme of mortality and the finality of death, which becomes evident later in the story.
Hyperbole	“They’re quite near each other, it seems.”	Hyperbole involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect. In this case, the statement implies the proximity of the graves, exaggerating the emotional impact and significance of the location.
Imagery	“A dark, squat bottle.”	Imagery involves the use of descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader. Here, the description of the bottle as “dark” and “squat” paints a vivid mental picture, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the scene.
Irony	“He wanted, he intended, he had arranged to weep.”	Irony involves a contradiction between expectation and reality. In this example, the irony lies in Mr. Frank’s failed attempt to express his emotions, despite his strong desire and intention to do so.
Metaphor	“He wanted, he intended, he had arranged to weep.”	A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by suggesting that one thing is another. Here, weeping is metaphorically compared to a planned action or event, emphasizing the emotional disconnect experienced by Mr. Frank.
Onomatopoeia	“But just then the boss had an idea.”	Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate the sound they represent. In this instance, the word “had” mimics the sound of a sudden realization or thought occurring in the boss’s mind.
Personification	“But then, as if painfully, it dragged itself forward.”	Personification attributes human qualities or characteristics to non-human entities. Here, the fly is personified as if experiencing pain and exhibiting determination, enhancing the reader’s empathy towards its struggle.
Repetition	“Over and under, over and under, went a leg along a wing.”	Repetition involves the repeated use of words or phrases for emphasis or effect. In this example, the repetition of “over and under” emphasizes the laborious and repetitive nature of the fly’s actions, highlighting its struggle.
Simile	“Like a minute cat, to clean its face.”	A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words “like” or “as.” In this instance, the fly’s action of cleaning its face is likened to the grooming behavior of a cat, enhancing the reader’s understanding through comparison.
Symbolism	“The fly trapped in ink symbolizes mortality, vulnerability, and the inevitability of death.”	Symbolism involves the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning. Here, the trapped fly serves as a symbol for deeper themes such as mortality and the fragility of life.
Tone	“He started forward and pressed the bell for Macey.”	Tone refers to the author’s attitude towards the subject matter or audience, conveyed through the choice of words and details. In this example, the tone is matter-of-fact, reflecting the protagonist’s sense of detachment and routine actions.
Understatement	“He was puzzled. Something seemed to be wrong with him.”	Understatement involves presenting something as less significant or serious than it actually is. Here, the understatement downplays the protagonist’s internal turmoil and confusion, highlighting his inability to grasp his emotional state.
Verbal Irony	“Look sharp!”	Verbal irony occurs when a character says something but means the opposite. In this instance, the boss instructs Macey to “look sharp,” implying urgency, while in reality, he is struggling with his own emotions and lack of clarity.
Mood	“He felt positively frightened.”	Mood refers to the atmosphere or emotional quality of a literary work. In this example, the mood is one of apprehension and uncertainty, conveyed through the protagonist’s feelings of fear and unease.
Paradox	“But such a grinding feeling of wretchedness seized him that he felt positively frightened.”	A paradox is a statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. Here, the paradox lies in the juxtaposition of “grinding feeling of wretchedness” and “positively frightened,” illustrating the complexity of the protagonist’s emotions.

Characterization in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

• The Boss: A Facade of Strength: The unnamed protagonist, referred to solely as “the boss,” is a complex character. Initially, he appears as a successful, energetic businessman. We see this through his pride in his modernized office and his dismissal of Woodifield’s frailty. However, the story subtly reveals his deep grief over his deceased son. His boastful behavior masks a desperate attempt to distract himself from the gaping hole left by his son’s absence. Consider the passage where he boasts about the electric heater, saying, “Look at this beauty… Puts a bit of life into you what?” ([Story Title]). This seemingly innocuous statement can be interpreted as a yearning for the vitality his son brought to his life.
• Mr. Woodifield: A Foil and a Reminder: A retired man, Woodifield serves as a foil to the boss. He is frail and dependent, representing the natural decline of life. The boss seems to view him with a touch of condescension. However, Woodifield’s purpose goes beyond mere contrast. His forgetfulness and struggle to remember something important foreshadow the boss’s own repressed grief. When Woodifield finally remembers the “awful business” ([Story Title]), it jolts the boss back to the reality of his own loss.
• The Fly: A Symbol of Torment: While seemingly a minor character, the fly becomes a powerful symbol. The boss’s obsessive torment of the fly reflects his inner turmoil. He projects his frustration and anger over his son’s death onto the helpless creature. The fly’s eventual escape can be seen as a metaphor for the boss’s own inability to escape his grief.
• The Son: A Lingering Absence: Though never physically present, the boss’s son looms large. The photo above the desk and the boss’s focus on him taking over the business highlight the future stolen by war. The son’s absence creates a void that the boss desperately tries to fill.

Through these characters, Mansfield paints a nuanced portrait of grief. The story explores how loss can manifest in unexpected ways, forcing characters to confront the fragility of life.

Major Themes in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

Theme	Description	Example
Grief and Loss	The story revolves around the unnamed boss’s profound grief over his deceased son. His boastful behavior and obsession with the fly are attempts to mask his emotional pain. Examples include the photo of the son on the desk, the boss’s dismissal of Woodifield’s frailty, and his relentless pursuit of the fly.
Repressed Emotions	The boss struggles to express his grief directly. He channels his emotions into outward actions such as boasting and aggression. Woodifield’s forgetfulness also suggests a repressed awareness of a painful event. The story portrays the complexity of dealing with loss and the challenges of confronting difficult emotions.
The Powerlessness of Man	The fly symbolizes the boss’s ultimate powerlessness in the face of death. Despite his relentless efforts, he cannot escape his grief or control the course of life and death. The fly’s eventual escape highlights this powerlessness.
The Fragility of Life	The story underscores the impermanence of life. The boss’s son’s death serves as a stark reminder of mortality. Woodifield’s physical decline further emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. The story prompts reflection on the preciousness of life and the need to

Writing Style in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

1. Psychological Realism: Mansfield delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of Mr. Frank, portraying his grief and internal struggles with vivid detail.
2. Stream of Consciousness: The narrative style mimics Mr. Frank’s thought processes, often drifting from one memory or observation to another without clear transitions.
3. Symbolism: The trapped fly in the inkpot serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story, representing themes of mortality, fragility, and the inevitability of death.
4. Descriptive Imagery: Mansfield employs vivid and evocative language to paint a detailed picture of the story’s setting and characters, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the story.
5. Irony: The story is laced with irony, particularly in Mr. Frank’s treatment of the fly, highlighting the ironic juxtaposition between his empathy for the fly and his own callousness.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from “The Fly”
Psychoanalytic Theory	Analyzes characters’ psychological motivations and conflicts	Mr. Frank’s fixation on the trapped fly can be interpreted as a manifestation of his unresolved grief and guilt over his son’s death. His treatment of the fly reflects his inner turmoil and repressed emotions.
Feminist Theory	Explores gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations	Although the story primarily focuses on male characters, feminist analysis can highlight the absence of female voices and the impact of patriarchal norms on expressions of grief and emotional vulnerability.
Marxist Theory	Examines social class, economic conditions, and power structures	The contrasting lifestyles of Mr. Frank and Mr. Woodifield can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, highlighting the disparities in their wealth, status, and access to comfort and leisure.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and subjective response	Readers may interpret the fly as a symbol of various themes such as mortality, resilience, or the cyclical nature of life, depending on their own experiences and perspectives.
New Criticism	Emphasizes close reading of the text and analysis of literary devices	Close examination of Mansfield’s use of symbolism, irony, and stream-of-consciousness narration reveals the story’s complexity and invites readers to explore its deeper layers of meaning.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Grief and Memory	How does the story portray the characters’ coping mechanisms for grief?	“The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield explores how memory and denial function as both burdens and shields in the face of profound grief, ultimately revealing the characters’ struggle to process loss.
Symbolism and Meaning	What is the significance of the fly in the story?	In “The Fly,” the seemingly insignificant fly transcends its physical form to embody the protagonist’s repressed emotions and his ultimate powerlessness in the face of death.
Social Commentary	Can the story be interpreted as a commentary on the impact of war?	Beyond a personal narrative of grief, “The Fly” can be seen as a subtle critique of war’s enduring impact on individuals and their capacity for emotional connection.
Modernist Techniques	How does Mansfield’s use of stream-of-consciousness narration contribute to the story’s impact?	Through stream-of-consciousness narration, Mansfield crafts a raw and intimate portrayal of grief in “The Fly,” allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s emotional turmoil firsthand.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

• Beyond Annoyance: How does the seemingly insignificant fly morph into a powerful symbol, revealing the boss’s internal struggle in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield?
• This question delves deeper than the fly’s mere presence. It prompts an analysis of the transformation of the fly from a nuisance to a potent symbol. Consider the escalation of the boss’s reaction. How does his relentless pursuit connect to his emotional state? Explore the concept of the fly as a manifestation of the boss’s grief, and analyze how focusing on the fly allows him to avoid confronting a more profound pain.
• A Haunting Reminder: In “The Fly,” how does the seemingly ordinary photo on the boss’s desk function as a multifaceted symbol of loss and unfulfilled dreams?
• This question goes beyond a simple description of the photo. It asks you to unpack the layers of meaning embedded within the image. How does the son’s posture and clothing contribute to the symbolic weight of the photo? Consider the concept of the photo as a constant reminder of the stolen future and the void it creates in the boss’s life. Explore how the photo connects to the boss’s attempts to fill that void, including his obsession with the fly.
• A Mirror to Repressed Grief: How does Mr. Woodifield’s forgetfulness in “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield act as a commentary on the universality and complexities of coping with loss?
• This question moves beyond Woodifield’s forgetfulness as a character trait. It asks you to analyze how it serves as a broader thematic device. Explore how Woodifield’s struggle to remember an “awful business” foreshadows the boss’s own repressed grief. Consider the concept of forgetfulness as a coping mechanism and how it reflects the challenges of confronting loss. Analyze how Woodifield’s experience functions as a mirror to the boss’s emotional state, highlighting the universality of grief.
• An Unresolved Pain: How does the open window at the end of “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield contribute to the story’s portrayal of the lingering effects of grief?
• This question moves beyond the literal escape of the fly. It asks you to analyze the symbolic meaning of the open window and its connection to the boss’s emotional state. Explore the concept of the open window as a metaphor for the boss’s inability to escape his grief. Consider how the unresolved nature of the ending reflects the ongoing process of grieving. Analyze how the reader is left to ponder the lasting impact of the son’s death on the boss’s life, highlighting the unresolved nature of the boss’s pain.

Literary Works Similar to “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

1. “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka:
   • Like “The Fly,” Kafka’s novella delves into themes of isolation, alienation, and the absurdity of existence. It follows the transformation of Gregor Samsa into a giant insect and explores the consequences of his metamorphosis on his relationships and sense of self.
2. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville:
   • Melville’s short story examines themes of conformity, individuality, and the dehumanizing effects of modern society. Similar to “The Fly,” it features a protagonist who withdraws from society and adopts passive resistance, challenging conventional norms and expectations.
3. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor:
   • O’Connor’s short story explores themes of morality, redemption, and the nature of evil. Like “The Fly,” it features unexpected twists and moments of realization that prompt characters to confront the darker aspects of human nature and their own mortality.
4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman:
   • Gilman’s short story addresses themes of female oppression, mental illness, and the constraints of gender roles. Like “The Fly,” it employs psychological realism and explores the inner world of its protagonist as she grapples with her deteriorating mental state.
5. “The Dead” by James Joyce:
   • Joyce’s short story is part of his collection “Dubliners” and centers on a dinner party where guests confront issues of love, mortality, and the passage of time. Like “The Fly,” it features introspective characters and moments of epiphany that illuminate the complexities of human experience.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

Primary Source:

• Mansfield, Katherine. “The Fly.” The Doves’ Nest and Other Stories. Constable & Company Ltd, 1923. 1-12. Print.
• Mansfield, Katherine. Selected stories. Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Mansfield, Katherine. The collected stories of Katherine Mansfield. Wordsworth Editions, 2006.

Critical Analyses:

• Michel-Michot, Paulette. “Katherine Mansfield’s” The Fly”: An Attempt to Capture the Boss.” Studies in Short Fiction 11.1 (1974): 85.
• Bateson, F. W., and B. Shahevitch. “Katherine Mansfield’s ‘The Fly’: A Critical Exercise.” Essays in Criticism 12.1 (1962): 39-53.
• Sohier, Jacques. “Spectrality in the Short Story ‘The Fly’by Katherine Mansfield.” Études britanniques contemporaines. Revue de la Société dʼétudes anglaises contemporaines 42 (2012): 139-152.
• GREENWOOD, EB. “KATHERINE MANSFIELD’S ‘THE FLY’III.” Essays in Criticism 12.3 (1962): 341-347.

Web Sources:

• https://www.katherinemansfieldsociety.org/archive/www.katherinemansfieldsociety.org/assets/KM-Stories/THE-FLY.pdf
• https://www.english.ox.ac.uk/ten-minute-book-club/mansfield-the-fly

Representative Quotations from “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield

Quotation	Context	Interpretation
“Y’are very snug in here,” piped old Mr. Woodifield, and he peered out of the great, green-leather armchair…	Mr. Woodifield expresses a sense of comfort and longing as he visits the boss’s office, highlighting the contrast between his restricted life at home and the boss’s comfortable surroundings.	This quotation sets the tone for the story, emphasizing themes of confinement, longing, and the desire for warmth and companionship. It introduces the idea of seeking solace in familiar places and connections amidst the challenges of aging and isolation.
“I’ve got a little drop of something here that’ll do you good before you go out into the cold again…	The boss offers Mr. Woodifield whisky as a gesture of camaraderie and hospitality, attempting to alleviate his friend’s discomfort and bring warmth to their interaction.	This quotation reflects the boss’s attempt to assert control over his emotions and maintain a facade of strength in the face of grief. It also symbolizes the futile pursuit of distraction and comfort in the midst of profound loss and emotional turmoil.
“I’ll see nobody for half an hour, Macey,” said the boss…	After Mr. Woodifield’s departure, the boss retreats into solitude, signaling his need for introspection and emotional release.	This quotation captures the boss’s internal struggle with grief and the overwhelming nature of his emotions. It underscores the theme of isolation and the difficulty of finding solace or resolution in the face of profound loss and existential uncertainty.
“He’s a plucky little devil,” thought the boss…	The boss admires the fly’s resilience and determination as it struggles to overcome adversity, projecting his own desire for strength and perseverance onto the insect.	This quotation reflects the boss’s attempt to find meaning and inspiration in the fly’s struggle, mirroring his own internal battle with grief and despair. It symbolizes the human capacity for resilience and the innate drive to confront challenges, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
“Bring me some fresh blotting-paper,” he said sternly…	The boss’s abrupt shift in focus to mundane tasks reflects his attempt to suppress or distract himself from his overwhelming emotions.	This quotation underscores the boss’s internal conflict and his struggle to reconcile his emotional turmoil with the demands of everyday life. It highlights the tension between outward composure and inner turmoil, as well as the futility of attempting to escape or rationalize profound grief.