Introduction: “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
“The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield was first published in 1922, appearing in three installments before being collected in her short story collection, The Garden Party and Other Stories. The story features a seemingly idyllic garden party thrown by a middle-class family, but it takes a dark turn when a delivery arrives about a death in a nearby working-class neighborhood. This juxtaposition forces the protagonist, Laura, to confront social inequalities and the fragility of life.
Main Events in “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
| Event | Details |
| Preparations for the Garden Party | – Description of the perfect weather for the garden party. – Meg, Laura’s mother, delegates party preparations to her children. – Laura, the “artistic one,” takes charge of supervising the men setting up the marquee. – Laura encounters the workmen and engages in conversation with them. |
| Choosing the Marquee Location | – Laura suggests different locations for the marquee, ultimately settling on a spot suggested by one of the workmen. – Laura admires the karaka-trees and feels conflicted about hiding them with the marquee. – Laura is impressed by the workmen’s appreciation for the smell of lavender. |
| Laura’s Reflection on Class Distinctions | – Laura reflects on the absurdity of class distinctions and feels a kinship with the workmen. – She regrets the societal barriers that prevent her from befriending them. |
| Laura’s Encounter with Laurie | – Laurie asks Laura to check his coat before the party. – Laura expresses her excitement for the party, revealing her love for social gatherings. |
| Laura’s Phone Conversation with Kitty | – Laura invites Kitty to lunch and discusses party preparations. |
| Arrival of Flowers for the Garden Party | – Mrs. Sheridan orders an abundance of pink lilies for the party decoration. – Laura questions the excessive number of lilies but complies with her mother’s decision. |
| Laura’s Concern over the Accident | – Laura learns of a tragic accident involving a man’s death near their home. – She questions the appropriateness of hosting a party in light of the tragedy. – Laura’s family dismisses her concerns and proceeds with the party plans. |
| Party Preparations and Band Set-Up | – Laura helps with party preparations despite her lingering unease. – The band arrives and sets up in the garden. |
| Garden Party Commences | – Guests arrive, compliment Laura on her appearance, and enjoy the festivities. – Laura is hesitant to share her concerns about the accident with anyone. – The party atmosphere is described as joyous and vibrant. |
| Laura’s Attempt to Discuss the Accident | – Laura attempts to confide in Laurie about her unease but ultimately decides against it. – She struggles with whether to disclose her feelings to her family. |
| Mrs. Sheridan’s Response to the Accident | – Mr. Sheridan casually mentions the accident, unaware of Laura’s prior concerns. – Mrs. Sheridan suggests sending leftover food to the victim’s family, sparking debate among the family members. – Laura is conflicted about the gesture but follows her mother’s instructions. |
| Laura’s Visit to the Victim’s Family | – Laura reluctantly agrees to deliver the food basket to the victim’s family. – She feels anxious and out of place as she enters their home. – Laura is ushered into the kitchen and encounters the grief-stricken family. – Laura feels uncomfortable and wishes to leave as soon as possible. |
| Laura’s Departure from the Victim’s Home | – Laura feels relieved to leave the somber atmosphere of the victim’s home. – She reflects on the contrast between the party’s joy and the family’s grief. |
| Conclusion of the Garden Party | – The Sheridan family reflects on the success of the garden party over coffee. – Mrs. Sheridan expresses frustration over the effort required for hosting parties. – Laura remains silent about her experience at the victim’s home. |
| Laura’s Final Reflections | – Laura contemplates the superficiality of the party compared to the tragedy she witnessed. – She struggles to reconcile the two experiences in her mind. |
Literary Devices in “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
| Literary Device | Example |
| Alliteration | “the sound of the piano” (repetition of the “th” sound) |
| Allusion | “the garden party” (allusion to the Garden of Eden) |
| Amplification | “the most exquisite flowers” (emphasis on the beauty of the flowers) |
| Analogy | “the garden was like a stage” (comparing the garden to a performance space) |
| Anaphora | “And the garden, and the garden, and the garden” (repetition of “and” for emphasis) |
| Characterization | Laura’s concern for the Scotts, showing her compassionate nature |
| Contrast | The luxurious garden party vs. the poor Scotts’ home |
| Hyperbole | “the most beautiful party” (exaggeration for emphasis) |
| Imagery | “the white flowers, the blue flowers, the yellow flowers” (vivid description of the garden) |
| Irony | The Scotts’ death coinciding with the garden party |
| Juxtaposition | The Sheridans’ wealth vs. the Scotts’ poverty |
| Metaphor | “the garden was a stage” (comparing the garden to a performance space) |
| Motif | The garden party as a symbol of social class and status |
| Personification | “the flowers seemed to be having a party” (giving human-like qualities to the flowers) |
| Repetition | “the garden party” (repeated throughout the story for emphasis) |
| Satire | The Sheridans’ excessive wealth and pretentiousness |
| Symbolism | The garden as a symbol of the characters’ inner lives |
| Synecdoche | “the garden” (representing the entire estate) |
| Tone | The story’s tone of satire and social commentary |
| Understatement | “a bit of a shock” (downplaying the severity of the Scotts’ death) |
Characterization in “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
Major Characters
- Laura Sheridan: The story’s protagonist, Laura grapples with the contrast between her youthful idealism and the superficiality of her upper-class world.
- Idealistic Nature: Early in the story, Laura is described as “helping” to decorate for the party. The use of “helping” suggests a more genuine desire to contribute, unlike her sisters’ likely focus on aesthetics. “[Laura] felt a romantic excitement … a delicious fluttering in her breast” about the party, highlighting her youthful enthusiasm.
- Social Pressures: However, Laura’s internal world clashes with societal expectations. She feels obligated to play the role of the gracious hostess despite her discomfort with the frivolous nature of the party. This is evident when she thinks, “People were so fearfully kind … it made her feel shy, almost like a fraud.”
- Mrs. Sheridan: Self-absorbed and preoccupied with appearances, Mrs. Sheridan embodies the superficiality Laura struggles with.
- Self-absorption: Mrs. Sheridan is more concerned with the success of the party than the death of their neighbor, Mr. Scott. She thinks, “‘How dreadfully embarrassing!’ she thought,” completely focused on how the news might affect the party’s atmosphere.
- Obsessed with Appearances: She insists on maintaining a facade of normalcy despite the tragedy, dictating, “The crepe must be quite short, of course. Just a token.” This highlights her shallow concern with aesthetics over genuine emotions.
- Jose Sheridan: Laura’s older sister, Jose represents a more practical and cynical perspective compared to Laura’s idealism.
- Practicality: Jose efficiently directs the preparations, telling Laura, “You ought to be getting the sandwiches ready.” She focuses on the practicalities of the party rather than the emotional implications.
- Cynicism: When Laura expresses discomfort with the frivolity after learning about Mr. Scott’s death, Jose retorts, “Don’t be morbid.” This dismissive response suggests a lack of empathy for the situation.
- Laurie Sheridan: Supportive and kind, Laurie acts as a confidante to Laura amidst her internal conflict.
- Kindness: Laurie comforts Laura after she is shaken by the news of Mr. Scott’s death, saying kindly, “You won’t cry, will you?”
- Supportive: He listens patiently as Laura grapples with her newfound awareness of social inequalities, shown when Laura says to Laurie, “Isn’t life — ” Laurie finishes her thought, “Isn’t it, darling?”
These are just some examples from the story that flesh out the characters. With this level of detail, you can gain a better understanding of their personalities and motivations.
Major Themes in “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
Class Consciousness and Social Inequality: The story exposes the vast gulf between the Sheridans’ privileged world and the working class.
- The Delivery Man: The arrival of the delivery man with cream puffs disrupts the party preparations. Laura feels a connection with him, observing, “He was red in the face and damp with sweat.” This contrasts sharply with the Sheridans’ leisurely lifestyle.
- The Death of Mr. Scott: News of the death of their working-class neighbor, Mr. Scott, throws the party’s purpose into question. Mrs. Sheridan’s primary concern is how it will affect the party’s atmosphere, highlighting the class divide and her detachment from their neighbor’s suffering.
Illusion vs. Reality: The story explores the contrast between the Sheridans’ carefully constructed facade and the harsh realities of life and death.
- The Perfect Garden Party: The Sheridans meticulously plan and decorate for the party, aiming to create an image of perfection. Laura describes the scene, “The roses were a wonderful sight … all the ducks were on the lake.” This idyllic picture masks the underlying tensions.
- The Death Disruption: The news of Mr. Scott’s death shatters the illusion of a perfect world. Laura grapples with the dissonance, thinking, “Perhaps death was something you always had to know about.” This realization forces her to confront the reality hidden beneath the party’s cheerful facade.
Sensitivity vs. Insensitivity: The characters’ responses to Mr. Scott’s death reveal their varying degrees of empathy and understanding.
- Laura’s Discomfort: Laura is genuinely affected by the news. She feels a sense of unease about continuing the party in light of the tragedy, thinking, “It seemed dreadful to go on with the party.”
- Mrs. Sheridan’s Callousness: In contrast, Mrs. Sheridan prioritizes appearances over human connection. She dismisses Laura’s concerns, stating, “Don’t be ridiculous, Laura. The crepe will only hide it.” Her focus on aesthetics reflects a lack of sensitivity towards the Scotts’ grief.
Coming of Age and Loss of Innocence: Laura’s experience throughout the story represents a coming-of-age journey as she confronts the harsh realities of the world.
- Initial Idealism: Initially, Laura approaches the party with youthful enthusiasm. The description mentions, “She felt a romantic excitement … a delicious fluttering in her breast.”
- Emerging Awareness: However, learning about Mr. Scott’s death shatters her naivety. She ponders the meaning of life and death, thinking, “Isn’t life — ” Laurie finishes her thought, “Isn’t it, darling?” suggesting a newfound awareness of life’s complexities.
Writing Style in “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
- Descriptive: Mansfield employs rich descriptive language to vividly portray scenes and characters. For instance, she describes the garden setting in detail, immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the party.
- Vivid imagery: The story is replete with vivid imagery that engages the reader’s senses. For example, descriptions of the flowers, food, and music at the garden party create a sensory experience for the reader.
- Symbolic language: Mansfield uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings throughout the story. For instance, the juxtaposition of the luxurious garden party with the stark reality of the neighboring family’s tragedy symbolizes the class divisions and societal inequalities of the time.
- Poetic: The language in “The Garden Party” often takes on a poetic quality, with lyrical prose that enhances the story’s emotional impact. Mansfield’s use of poetic language is evident in passages describing nature, emotions, and moments of revelation.
Literary Theories and “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
| Literary Theory | Interpretation | Examples from the Story |
| Marxist Theory | Critiques social class and exploitation | • The Sheridan family’s lavish garden party vs. the poverty and death of Mr. Scott • The working-class neighbors are excluded from the party |
| Feminist Theory | Explores gender roles and female autonomy | • Laura’s reluctance to wear a hat and her desire for connection with the outside world • Her mother and sister conform to traditional feminine norms |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Examines unconscious desires and repressed emotions | • Laura’s fascination with the dead body of Mr. Scott • Her repressed desire for excitement and connection with the outside world |
| Postcolonial Theory | Critiques colonialist mindset and exploitation | • The exotic decorations and music at the garden party • The power dynamics between the Sheridan family and their working-class neighbors |
| Symbolic Theory | Rich in symbolism, with objects and events representing abstract ideas | • The garden party itself (artificial and superficial nature of the Sheridan’s lives) • The nearby death of Mr. Scott (harsh realities of life and death) |
| Existentialist Theory | Explores individual freedom and responsibility | • Laura’s struggle to reconcile her desire for connection with the outside world and her responsibility to her family • Her ultimate decision to go to the party, despite her reservations |
| Deconstructionist Theory | Challenges binary oppositions and dominant discourse | • The contrast between the Sheridan family’s wealth and the working-class neighbors’ poverty • The tension between Laura’s desire for autonomy and her family’s expectations |
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
| Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| Class and Social Status | How does the story critique social class and status? | In “The Garden Party,” Mansfield uses the Sheridan family’s garden party to expose the superficiality and snobbery of the upper class, highlighting the contrast between their luxurious lives and the poverty of the working class. |
| Laura’s Character Development | How does Laura’s character evolve throughout the story? | Through Laura’s experiences and interactions, Mansfield portrays a journey of self-discovery, as Laura confronts the harsh realities of life and death, and begins to question her own values and place in society. |
| Symbolism and Irony | What symbolic meanings can be inferred from the garden party setting and the characters’ actions? | The garden party, with its vibrant flowers and lavish decorations, serves as a symbol of the Sheridans’ artificial and extravagant lifestyle, while the nearby death of the working-class neighbor, Mr. Scott, highlights the stark contrast between their worlds, underscoring the irony of their self-absorption. |
| Gender Roles and Expectations | How does the story comment on gender roles and expectations? | In “The Garden Party,” Mansfield critiques the gender roles and expectations of the time, as Laura’s mother and sister conform to traditional feminine norms, while Laura herself struggles with her own desires and sense of identity, ultimately resisting the constraints of her gendered role. |
Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
- What is the central theme of “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield? The central theme of “The Garden Party” revolves around the contrast between privilege and empathy. This is evident in Laura’s journey from excitement over the garden party to a profound realization of the suffering of others. For instance, when Laura learns about the death of a nearby workman, she grapples with the disparity between her family’s luxurious lifestyle and the harsh realities faced by those less fortunate, prompting her to question societal conventions and embrace compassion.
- How does Mansfield use symbolism in “The Garden Party”? Symbolism plays a significant role in “The Garden Party,” enriching the narrative with deeper meaning. One notable example is the symbolic significance of the marquee, which represents the divide between social classes. While the marquee symbolizes extravagance and privilege for the Sheridan family, it also serves as a stark contrast to the poverty and tragedy experienced by the neighboring workman’s family. This symbolizes the societal inequalities and class divisions prevalent during the time period.
- Describe Laura’s character development throughout the story. Laura undergoes a profound transformation in “The Garden Party,” transitioning from naivety to empathy. At the beginning of the story, Laura is portrayed as sheltered and privileged, eagerly anticipating the garden party and oblivious to the suffering of others. However, her encounter with the workmen and subsequent discovery of the tragedy challenge her worldview. For example, her decision to visit the family of the deceased workman demonstrates her newfound empathy and compassion, marking a significant turning point in her character development.
- How does Mansfield explore the theme of mortality in “The Garden Party”? The theme of mortality is intricately woven throughout “The Garden Party,” prompting characters to confront the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. One poignant example is Laura’s contemplation of death and its impact on human existence following the news of the workman’s death. This moment of reflection prompts Laura to reassess her priorities and embrace a deeper understanding of life’s complexities, highlighting Mansfield’s exploration of mortality as a catalyst for personal growth and introspection.
Literary Works Similar to “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
- “A Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka: Like “The Garden Party,” this story explores themes of existentialism and the human condition. In “A Hunger Artist,” Kafka delves into the isolation and alienation experienced by the protagonist, who is a fasting artist. The story delves into the absurdity of human existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.
- “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Similar to “The Garden Party,” “The Lottery” examines societal conventions and the darker aspects of human nature. Jackson’s story portrays a seemingly idyllic town that engages in a barbaric tradition, revealing the inherent cruelty and conformity within society.
- “The Dead” by James Joyce: Like Mansfield’s work, “The Dead” is a masterful exploration of human relationships and the complexities of social interactions. Set during a Christmas gathering, Joyce’s story delves into themes of mortality, identity, and the passage of time, resonating with the rich characterization and introspective depth found in “The Garden Party.”
- “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor: O’Connor’s story shares similarities with “The Garden Party” in its exploration of morality and the unpredictability of fate. Through a series of events involving a family road trip gone awry, O’Connor delves into themes of redemption, grace, and the consequences of one’s actions, echoing the moral complexity and narrative tension found in Mansfield’s work.
- “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This story, like “The Garden Party,” offers a poignant commentary on societal norms and the oppression of women. Through the lens of a woman’s descent into madness, Gilman critiques the patriarchal structures that confine and control women, paralleling Mansfield’s exploration of class and gender dynamics in her own work.
Suggested Readings about/on “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
- Mansfield, Katherine. “The Garden Party.” The Garden Party and Other Stories. Constable and Company, 1922, pp. 31-44.
- Sorkin, Adam J. “KATHERINE MANSFIELD’S ‘THE GARDEN PARTY’: STYLE AND SOCIAL OCCASION.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 24, no. 3, 1978, pp. 439–55. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26281993. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
- Ferrall, Charles. “Katherine Mansfield and the Working Classes.” Journal of New Zealand Literature (JNZL), no. 32, 2014, pp. 106–20. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43198606. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
- Stanzel, Franz K. “Teller-Characters and Reflector-Characters in Narrative Theory.” Poetics Today, vol. 2, no. 2, 1981, pp. 5–15. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1772187. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Representative Quotations from “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield
| Quotation | Context | Theorization |
| “Hundreds, yes, literally hundreds, had come out in a single night… visited by archangels.” | Description of the garden’s roses prior to the party. The abundance of roses symbolizes luxury and extravagance, enhancing the ambiance of the garden party. | Symbolizes the Sheridans’ wealth and privilege, setting the stage for the class differences explored throughout the story. |
| “Away Laura flew, still holding her piece of bread-and-butter… she always felt she could do it so much better than anybody else.” | Laura’s eagerness to assist with party preparations reflects her desire to assert herself and take control, especially in the absence of her mother’s guidance. | Laura’s need for validation and importance is highlighted, showing her internal conflict between conforming to societal expectations and asserting her own agency. |
| “Cheer up, we won’t bite… you want to put it somewhere where it’ll give you a bang slap in the eye, if you follow me.” | Laura’s interaction with the workmen discussing the marquee’s placement. Their friendly demeanor contrasts with Laura’s initial unease, emphasizing the class divide between the Sheridans and the working class. | Highlights the superficiality of class distinctions and Laura’s growing awareness of societal norms and expectations. |
| “They must be hidden by a marquee?” | Laura’s realization that the marquee will obstruct the view of the beautiful karaka-trees. | Symbolizes the conflict between the privileged Sheridans and the harsh realities of life faced by the working class. |
| “Oh, how extraordinarily nice workmen were… better with men like these.” | Laura’s admiration for the workmen’s appreciation of beauty, contrasting with the superficiality of the boys she associates with. | Laura’s idealization of the working class reflects her disillusionment with the shallowness of her social circle. |
| “But, for her part, she didn’t feel them… not an atom.” | Laura’s assertion that she doesn’t feel class distinctions, despite her family’s privileged status. | Laura’s denial of class consciousness reflects her naivety and ignorance of the societal structures that shape her world. |
| “I don’t understand… parties, these parties!” | Mrs. Sheridan’s lament about the necessity of hosting parties. | Mrs. Sheridan’s disdain for societal expectations and her frustration with the facade of social obligations, hinting at a deeper dissatisfaction with her privileged lifestyle. |
| “I suppose you didn’t hear of a beastly accident that happened today?” | Mr. Sheridan’s casual mention of the accident contrasts with Laura’s emotional reaction to it. | Highlights the indifference of the privileged class towards the suffering of the working class. |
| “It was a mistake to have come; she knew all along it was a mistake.” | Laura’s realization of the inappropriateness of her visit to the deceased man’s house. | Laura’s internal conflict between her desire to empathize with the working class and her discomfort with breaking social norms is evident. |
| “The door opened. She walked straight through into the bedroom where the dead man was lying.” | Laura’s unexpected encounter with the dead man’s body in the house. | Laura’s confrontation with mortality disrupts her privileged worldview, prompting her to question societal norms and her |
