Introduction, Body, Conclusion, citation

The Garden Party – Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield
- born 19th century in New Zealand
- influenced the short story genre
- main focus points – social and political engagement, awareness of class, gender importance
- writing influenced by Oscar Wilde, Anton Chekhov…
- works: The Voyage, At The Bay
- modernism – breaking away from established rules, traditions, convention

(early) Modernism
- movement or tendency
- early 19th century
- other artists: Virginia Woolf, James Joyce
- era of experimentation and development, new way of writing literature as well
- key aspects: imagination, individual experience (in Garden Party usage of Laura´s individual view on the
topic), open endings (the end of Garden Party, the reader is supposed to sort of create ending and opinion on
their own), present tense, unfamiliar details (in Garden Party no introduction to the characters, rather jumping
straight into the topic)

Short story
- literary form
- influenced by Mansfield, but used longer before (myths, legends, fairytale..)
- in comparison to novel – shorter, less characters, “slice of life”
- can be fantastic or realistic
- writers—stress atmosphere and mood, present readers with suspense and a puzzle, carry the reader along in one
direction and then surprise him with a quick reversal at the end, meant for relaxation and escapes

The Garden Party

1. Discuss the modernist elements in "The Garden Party" and how they reflect the concerns of the
era.
a. Explore Mansfield's use of stream of consciousness and free indirect discourse to delve
into Laura's internal conflicts and societal observations.
- Steam of consciousness – (or interior monologue) refers to a technique which seeks to depict the
multitudinous thoughts, impressions, feelings, and impulses passing through the mind prompted by
conscious experience or arising from the unconscious.
- Free indirect discourse - is an ambiguous mode of blurring a distinction between a character’s
speech and the voice of the narrator.
- merging the 3rd person narration with Lauras own inner feelings and thoughts throughout the day,
the continuous descriptions of the environment and dialogues of the characters are broken apart
with author´s depiction of Lauras feelings in the current moment without putting her into “direct
speech” - “Away Laura flew, still holding her piece of bread-and-butter. It's so delicious to have an
excuse for eating out of doors, and besides, she loved having to arrange things; she always felt she
could do it so much better than anybody else.”(p. 1)
- often her feelings are not expressed by an action, but rather as a form of inner monologue - no
quotations are used to express many of Lauras thoughts and remarks, in comparison to other
characters that need direct speech for their feelings to be expressed – “Well, what about the lily-
lawn? Would that do?” … “I don’t fancy it,” said he.; “"Look here, miss, that's the place. Against
those trees. Over there. That'll do fine." … “Against the karakas. Then the karaka-trees would be
hidden. And they were so lovely, with their broad, gleaming leaves, and their clusters of yellow
fruit. They were like trees you imagined growing on a desert island, proud, solitary, lifting their
leaves and fruits to the sun in a kind of silent splendour. Must they be hidden by a marquee?(p. 2) –
the difference between showing the feelings of other characters vs Lauras (direct speech vs free
indirect discourse)
 - through these technique Mansfield provides readers with direct access to Laura's inner world,
allowing them to experience her thoughts, doubts, and perceptions in real time – modernist way of
individual experience, subjectivity of oneself

b. Analyse the story's focus on everyday events and the significance of mundane details in
revealing character and theme.
- This includes tasks such as arranging flowers, setting up tents, preparing food and refreshments,
and coordinating the workmen etc – planning the party. As a reader huge chunk of the story is
based on the preparations for the party as an everyday task. Through the continuity of the events
basic family interactions and their relationship can be observed as well as character. The theme of
“class and their privilege” is shown many times also, with descriptions and details of the gardens
flowers and environment. (“thousands of roses (p.1)” exotic “karaka trees” “full pots of pink lilies”
(p. 4) “having their own cook (p.5)...)
- The family´s wealth and privilege – band, tennis court, even hosting a party…
- These interactions range from playful banter between siblings to more serious discussions between
parents and children. Through these everyday exchanges, Mansfield reveals the dynamics of the
Sheridan family, including their relationships, tensions, and affection for one another through these
conversations.

----------------------death???????????? dodať

c. Consider the portrayal of individual consciousness and the emphasis on subjective

experience.
The main portrayal of individual consciousness and subjective experience lies within the
protagonist of the short story – Laura. Other characters also show their inner feelings and
express their individuality and different opinions through the novel, however Laura is special
in the sense that she not only reveals her thoughts through direct speech, but we also see her
inner thoughts and ideas. But the story emphasizes subjective experiences and how different
points of view can lead one’s actions – for example the way the family reacts differently on the
news about the man´s death.

Laura mentions the death to Jose, and suggest stopping the preparations for the party, however
Jose declines, and wants to continue. Laura is shocked by her sisters answer and hurries to tell
the mother. In comparison to Laura both Jose and her mother answer in direct speech, which
also builds their character, however the reader can also sense a deeper feelings of slight
disappointment towards her family members from the protagonist, because her inner
monologue and thoughts are described in the text, which gives the reader a deeper
understanding for her and her consciousness. - To Laura's astonishment her mother behaved
just like Jose; it was harder to bear because she seemed amused. She refused to take Laura
seriously. p.9

The emphasis of subjective experience stands on how primarily Laura experiences the death
harder than anyone else in the family. People and characters in the story don’t all think the
same, and often have very different individual views on topics in the story. Laura's experience
of the death is deeply personal, highlighting the subjectivity of grief and the individual nature
of emotional response. While other members see it as disruption of their plans, she is deeply
affected by it prompting her to question her own privilege and confront existential questions
about life and death, even thinking about how the garden party could affected the family struck
by the unfortunate event. - "And just think of what the band would sound like to that poor
woman," said Laura. p.8; "But, dear child, use your common sense. It's only by accident we've
heard of it. If someone had died there normally—and I can't understand how they keep alive in
those poky little holes-we should still be having our party, shouldn't we?" Laura had to say
"yes" to that, but she felt it was all wrong. She sat down on her mother's sofa and pinched the
cushion frill. "Mother, isn't it terribly heartless of us?" she asked. (p.9); "You are being very
absurd, Laura," she said coldly. "People like that don't expect sacrifices from us. And it's not
very sympathetic to spoil everybody's enjoyment as you're doing now." -mother( p.9)
 d. Reflect on the themes of alienation and existential questioning as characteristics of
modernist literature.
Another one key feature of modernist literature, connected with the focus on the subjective
rather than the objective is the theme of alienation and existential questioning present in the
text. Alienation, or detachment from oneself, others, or society is manifesting itself in Laura
feeling very much misunderstood thorough the course of the novel. Concerning the death of
the member of the Scott’s family, the protagonist feelings are regarded as ridiculous, absurd or
even “extravagant” (p.7) by her own family members such as her mother and sister. Laura
questions whether her feelings are valid, which shows how individuals within a close
community may still experience emotional detachment from one another. Either way, even
upon her reflecting on her own emotions, Laura is overwhelmed by the opinion of the majority.
“"Mother, isn't it terribly heartless of us?" she asked. (p. 9); Laura had to say "yes" to that,
but she felt it was all wrong. (p. 9)

Disconnectedness through class. Laura bent her head and hurried on. She wished now she had
put on a coat. How her frock shone! And the big hat with the velvet streamer—if only it was
another hat! Were the people looking at her? P. 12

Existential questioning - Mr. Scott's death makes Laura think about how life is fragile and
unpredictable. She starts to wonder if parties and money really matter when faced with death.
This thinking shows how people search for meaning in a confusing world. The protagonist
wants to stop the party to show some respect for the mourning family, but is denied once again.
This experience shakes her previously sheltered worldview and leads her to question the
significance of the garden party in the face of mortality.

Seeing that life is much more important than parties after going to Scott’s house, seeing the
mourning woman and Mr. Scott on his deathbed. Upon return, Laura questions her existence
more deeply than ever, seeing what she saw with her own eyes. It is not merely a abstract
picture of death, but something she could really feel, debating what life is really about. “"Isn't
life," she stammered, "isn't life—" But what life was she couldn't explain. No matter. He quite
understood. "Isn't it, darling?" said Laurie. (p. 14)

Laura only wanted to get out, to get away. She was back in the passage. The door opened.
She walked straight through into the bedroom where the dead man was lying. (p. 13)

e. Reflect on the ending of the story and its open-ended nature, inviting reader
interpretation.

The ending is notably open-ended, leaving readers with space for interpretation and reflection
of the reader. In the final paragraphs, after Laura has visited the home of the deceased man and
experienced a profound moment of empathy and connection with his grieving family. The
reader is left to think about how it might affect her views on herself, her privilege, and how she
sees others. In the end Laura ponders on the essence and nature of life itself, which she is
unable to fully process.

“"Isn't life," she stammered, "isn't life—" But what life was she couldn't explain. No matter. He
quite understood. "Isn't it, darling?" said Laurie. (p. 14)

It is only in the hands of the reader to determine what both – Laura and Laurie – meant by this
quote. Is it unpredictable? Cruel? Beautiful? Or all of the above. Ultimately, each reader brings
their own subjectivity to the story as well, shaping their interpretation of the ending and their
understanding of life. The open-ended conclusion offers reader the opportunity to form a
personal connection with the text, making it subjective, relatable, and uniquely their own.

2. Explore the thematic scope of "The Garden Party" through the lens of societal norms and
individual awakening.
a. Societal Norms and Class Distinctions: Analyse how Mansfield critiques societal norms, par-
ticularly focusing on class distinctions and social expectations. Consider how the lavishness of
the garden party and the Sheridans' lifestyle contrast with the lives of their less affluent neigh-
bours.

There are two classes present in the text – more privileged upper class (Sheridans) and
working class (Scotts). Mansfield highlights the class distinctions and differences throughout
the whole story contrasting the wealthy lifestyle of Sheridans to the poorer and humbler of the
Scotts. Every aspect of the Sheridan family appears to be perfect – house with hundreds of
beautiful flowers, full of people, own cook, arriving band even owning a tennis-court.
However, it is certainly the disconnected nature of theirs, that ruins this picture-perfect
illusion. After the death of Mr. Scott, Laura is upset more than any of the other family
members. She begs and asks her mother to stop the garden party, however her mother denies it
with ease.

"And just think of what the band would sound like to that poor woman," said Laura.
"If you're going to stop a band playing every time someone has an accident, you'll lead a very
strenuous life.
"You won't bring a drunken workman back to life by being sentimental," she said softly. –
calling him drunk, prejudice – maybe Jose thinks he is drunk and a bad man just because he is
poor (p.8)

“Mother, a man's been killed," began Laura.

"Not in the garden?" interrupted her mother.
"No, no!"
"Oh, what a fright you gave me!" (p.8) – again caring more about the garden party than the
death of a man, disconnection

The descriptions of the poorer neighbourhood also shows the distinction - "But, dear child, use
your common sense. It's only by accident we've heard of it. If someone had died there normally
—and I can't understand how they keep alive in those poky little holes-we should still be
having our party, shouldn't we?" (p. 9) – by mother

They were the greatest possible eyesore, and they had no right to be in that neighbourhood at
all. In the garden patches there was nothing but cabbage stalks, sick hens and tomato cans.
The very smoke coming out of their chimneys was poverty-stricken. Little rags and shreds of
smoke, so unlike the great silvery plumes that uncurled from the Sheridans' chimneys.
When the Sheridans were little they were forbidden to set foot there because of the revolting
language and of what they might catch. – description of the neighbourhood (p.8) The use of
the word "eyesore" implies that the Sheridan family finds the appearance or existence of their
neighbours to be unpleasant or offensive in some way.

The story also explores the pressure to conform to social expectations and norms, particularly
regarding appearances and behaviour. Laura, the protagonist, feels a sense of obligation to
uphold the standards of elegance and refinement associated with her social status. This
pressure is evident in her meticulous planning of the garden party and her concern with
impressing her guests. Similarly, Laura's mother exhibits a desire to maintain appearances and
uphold societal conventions, even in the face of tragedy. Mansfield critiques the superficiality
and conformity of these social expectations, suggesting that they can lead to a lack of
authenticity and empathy in human relationships.

Is mother right? she thought. And now she hoped her mother was right. Am I being
extravagant? Perhaps it was extravagant. Just for a moment she had another glimpse of that
poor woman and those little children, and the body being carried into the house. But it all
seemed blurred, unreal, like a picture in the newspaper. I'll remember it again after the party's
over, she decided. (p. 9)

"My dear," said Mrs. Sheridan, holding up her hand, "we did. It nearly ruined the party. Laura
insisted we should put it off." (p. 9)
b. Individual Awakening and Empathy: Investigate Laura's journey towards empathy and un-
derstanding as she confronts the reality of death and class disparity. Discuss how this personal
awakening challenges her previously held beliefs and societal norms.

At the beginning of the story, Laura is depicted as naive, fully immersed in the privileged
world of her family. She is preoccupied with the preparations for the garden party, oblivious to
the harsh realities of life beyond her social circle. Laura's journey towards empathy begins
when she learns of the death of a Mr. Scott. This encounter with death marks a turning point in
Laura's understanding of the world, prompting her to question her previously held beliefs and
societal norms. While her family dismisses the incident as an unfortunate but unavoidable
occurrence, Laura feels a deep sense of empathy for the man and his family. Through her
encounter with the family of the deceased man, Laura undergoes a profound awakening of
empathy and understanding. She is deeply moved by the grief and suffering of the family
members, recognizing their humanity and dignity in the face of tragedy. This experience
challenges Laura's previously held beliefs about class disparity and privilege, prompting her to
question the superficiality and complacency of her privileged upbringing. Laura's change
challenges how society values wealth over caring for others as the author critiques the focus on
wealth and status over empathy and dignity.

Again, how curious, she seemed to be different from them all. To take scraps from their
party. Would the poor woman really like that? – (p. 11)

c. Isolation vs. Community: Explore the theme of isolation and community in the story. Con-
sider how the physical and metaphorical barriers between the Sheridans and the Scotts reflect
broader societal separations and how moments of connection attempt to bridge these gaps.

The physical and metaphorical barriers between their homes symbolize broader societal
separations based on social class.

Physical – different neighbourhood

Metaphorical – status, class, wealth, privilege
Moments of connection - Laura's visit to the home of the deceased man represents a significant
moment of empathy and connection, as she experiences a profound sense of solidarity with the
grieving family. This moment transcends social boundaries and highlights the universal human
experience of grief,

Isolation – connected to the barriers, improper to meet the two completely different world,
leaning into the prejudice against the poor
Community – community in the garden party, community in the impoverished neighbourhood.

d. Illusion vs. Reality: Discuss the theme of illusion versus reality, examining how the garden
party and its preparations serve as an escape from the harsher realities of life, and how the
event of Mr. Scott's death serves as a catalyst for confronting these realities.

The garden party serves as an illusion, a carefully constructed facade that allows the Sheridan
family and their guests to temporarily escape from the harsher realities of life. The elaborate
preparations for the party, including the decorating of the garden and the planning of
entertainment, create an atmosphere of luxury and celebration that shields the attendees from
the struggles and hardships of the outside world.

Laura tries to escape the reality even after she hears about Mr. Scott’s death, but is stopped by
her mother and sister, so she decides to put herself into the preparations once more. After the
success of the party ends and the excitement fades Mr. Sheridan puts focus back onto the death
of the man that puts Laura back into the harsh reality, or makes it even worse.

"It was a horrible affair all the same," said Mr. Sheridan. "The chap was married too.
Lived just below in the lane, and leaves a wife and half a dozen kiddies, so they say. (p. 11)
 Laura's encounter with the grieving family of the deceased man brings her face to face with the
stark realities of poverty, suffering, and mortality, shattering the illusion of privilege and
prompting her to question her own values and beliefs.

e. Mortality and the Ephemeral Nature of Life: Reflect on how the story addresses the themes
of mortality and the ephemeral nature of life. Analyse how the juxtaposition of the garden
party against the backdrop of Mr. Scott's death serves to highlight these themes and provoke
reflection on the part of the characters and readers alike.

The impact and exploration of themes by Mansfield are through the contrast between the
garden party and the presence of death. After the sudden death of Mr. Scott serves as a re-
minder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The juxtaposition makes the char-
acters, especially Laura, to question their own mortality and reflect on the nature of existence.
The story invites us to contemplate the significance of life’s short moments and the importance
of caring while we can. It challenges them to also consider the responsibility they have toward
the others too. It’s an interesting exploration of the human experience and the balance between
life and death. The contrast in „The Garden Party“ provokes reflection for both the characters
and readers, encouraging them to contemplate the themes of life, death, and human responsib-
ility.

3. Analyse the poetic language in "The Garden Party" to understand how it contributes to the
story's thematic depth and emotional impact.

a. Imagery and Sensory Details: Examine Mansfield's use of vivid imagery and sensory details
to create the lush, vibrant setting of the garden party and contrast it with the stark, sombre en-
vironment of the Scotts' home. Discuss how these detailed descriptions contribute to the them-
atic contrasts between life and death, beauty, and sorrow.

Through her detailed descriptions of the contrasting settings, Mansfield emphasizes thematic
contrasts between life and death, beauty, and sorrow. The lush, vibrant environment of the
garden party represents the vitality and joy of life, while the stark, somber atmosphere of the
Scotts' home reflects the harsh realities of death and poverty.

Descriptions of garden: the green bushes bowed down as though they had been visited by
archangels p.1; karakas trees - broad, gleaming leaves, and their clusters of yellow fruit;
proud solitary, lifting their leaves and fruits to the sun in a kind of silent splendour p.2;
Descriptions of house: The house was alive with soft, quick steps and running voices p.3; And
there were two tiny spots of sun, one on the inkpot, one on a silver photograph frame, playing
too. Darling little spots. Especially the one on the inkpot lid. It was quite warm. A warm little
silver star. She could have kissed it. p. 3;
Descriptions of neighbourhood: the greatest possible eyesore, and they had no right to be in
that neighbourhood at all (little cottages) p.8; The very smoke coming out of their chimneys
was poverty-stricken. Little rags and shreds of smoke, so unlike the great silvery plumes that
uncurled from the Sheridans' chimneys. p.8; The road gleamed white, and down below in the
hollow the little cottages were in deep shade p.11;

b. Symbolism of Key Objects and Settings: Investigate the symbolism behind key objects (such
as Laura's hat and the lilies) and settings (the garden, the marquee) within the story. Analyse
how these symbols serve multiple thematic purposes, including class distinction, the transition
from innocence to awareness, and the juxtaposition of life and death.

The garden: it symbolizes the privileged world of the upper class, representing a boundary or a
berrier between social classes (between the Sheridans’ world and the reality of the outside world).
The garden represents the Sheridan family’s status. It is superficial and showy. It is perfectly ar-
ranged and manicured by a hired gardener. With the knowledge of death, Laura leaves her sheltered
paradise, journeying into the harsher world.
 The hat: it symbolizes Laura’s social status and privilege, later it also becomes a symbol of
Laura’s transition from innocence to awareness or change to understanding class distinctions. At
the beginning of the story, the hat is described as ridiculous and absurd indicating her naive up-
bringing, thus it represents her innocence and lack of awareness of realities of social classes -as this
hat is a symbol of her higher status. After seeing the body of a man who died, Laura becomes
aware of the fragility of life and she begins to question the values of her privileged life. In this way,
the hat is a powerful symbol of her transition from innocence to awareness, it is an important mo-
ment in her personal growth and understanding the world around her.

,,Forgive my hat’’ (p. 13) Laura said this because she doesn’t want to be rude to the dead man by
showing off her extravagance by this hat.

The lilies: are symbol of beauty and life, the lilies show Laura’s initial innocence, they also show
the fragility of life. However, they could represent the superficial nature of the upper-class lifestyle
in the story. Just like the carefully arranged flowers, the beauty of the Sheridan family's world may
be superficial and cultivated for appearances rather than reflecting genuine depth or authenticity.
The Sheridans are privileged to have how many lillies they want to.

"I was passing the shop yesterday, and I saw them in the window. And I suddenly thought for once
in my life I shall have enough canna lilies. The garden-party will be a good excuse." (p. 4)

The marquee: it symbolizes wealth and extravagance, as it can be understood from this quotation
‘‘You see, with a thing like a marquee," and he turned to Laura in his easy way, „You want to put it
somewhere where it'll give you a bang slap in the eye, if you follow me.‘‘ (p. 2) it also represents the
privileged life of the Sheridans and their separation from the lower class, when it comes to the jux-
taposition of life and death the marquee contrasts with the theme of death, as it symbolizes wealth,
Sheridan’s enjoyment of life during the garden party, it contrasts to the tragedy of death outside the
party.

c. Metaphors and Similes: Explore the use of metaphors and similes in the narrative, particularly
those that relate to nature and the passage of time. Consider how these figures of speech enhance
the reader's understanding of the characters' internal states and the transitory nature of life.

The author is using poetic language, including metaphors and similes, which plays a significant
role in deepening thematic exploration, and enhancing emotional impact.

"But it all seemed blurred, unreal, like a picture in the newspaper...." p.9 - This simile compares
Laura's perception of the situation to a picture in the newspaper, suggesting that she feels detached and
removed from the reality of the events unfolding around her. Like a distant image in a newspaper, the
situation appears blurred and unreal to her, indicating her sense of disconnection and disbelief. This
simile conveys Laura's shock and difficulty processing the news of Mr. Scott's death, highlighting her
initial struggle to come to terms with the tragedy and the emotional impact it has on her.

It was just growing dusky as Laura shut their garden gates. A big dog ran by like a
shadow. The road gleamed white, and down below in the hollow the little cottages were
in deep shade. How quiet it seemed after the afternoon. Here she was going down the hill
to somewhere where a man lay dead, and she couldn't realize it. p 11 – The time passed after
starting the garden party now, was the time to face the harsh reality.

a. Irony: Discuss the various forms of irony present in the story, including situational irony
(the celebration of life at the garden party juxtaposed with the mourning of death nearby) and dra-
matic irony (the reader's awareness of Laura's naïveté). Analyse how irony is used to critique social
norms and the superficiality of the upper class.

Situational Irony: "And after all the weather was ideal. They could not have had a more perfect
day for a garden-party if they had ordered it." This sets the tone for the stark contrast between the
 ideal weather for the garden party and the tragedy of Mr. Scott's death nearby. The perfection of the
weather highlights the superficiality of the upper-class concerns, as they revel in their privilege
while remaining oblivious to the suffering just beyond their gates.

Dramatic irony: Throughout the story, the reader is aware of Laura's sheltered upbringing and na-
ivety regarding social class and privilege. This difference between Laura's perception of the world
and the reader's understanding creates dramatic irony. Laura's eagerness to help the poor family
after the tragic accident shows her well-meaning intentions but also shows that she doesn’t fully
understand the faced by the less fortunate. This lack of understanding is a criticism of the upper-
class society that allows this kind of ignorance to exist.

b. Personification and Anthropomorphism: Analyse instances of personification and an-

thropomorphism, especially in relation to the garden and other elements of nature. Consider how
giving human qualities to non-human elements serves to blur the lines between the natural world
and human society, reflecting the interconnectedness of life and death.

In the beginning of the short story Mansfield describes the garden as very much alive, blooming with all
kinds of trees and flowers, representing the joy and happiness or maybe even excitement of the
upcoming party. The many personified elements of the nature include the wind, sun, garden or even the
house. Particularly the house is described as “alive with soft quick steps and running voices”(p.3)
implying that not the house but rather the people living in the house make it feel alive in order for
preparations for the garden party.

The wind “little faint winds were playing chase in and top of the windows, out the doors (p. 3)” is
described as playful element blurring the lines between the natural world and human society in the
sense of it could be understood as a small side character also getting ready and looking forward to the
garden party, playing like little child while the adults take care of the preparations. Also spots of sun are
described as they are “playing, too.(p.3)”

Everything seems so alive in Mansfield’s description of the garden, feeling very rich and vivid,
reflecting the family societal status in the story. Even though the reader doesn’t know much about the
status it is softly implied by the quality and quantity of the flowers (mentioning “hundreds of roses(p.
1)” and “ trays full of lilies(p. 4)”) and generally the garden in the text. Specifically the lilies are
personified – after mentioning the description or their vibrant colours, the author also calls them as
“frighteningly alive(p. 4)”. In the beginning the green bushes or the roses “bowed down as though they
had been visited by archangels(p. 1)” meaning that the roses are really standing out against their green
companions.

Overall, giving human qualities to non-human elements highlights author’s point of blurring the lines
between the nature and human, going as far as reflecting the interconnectedness of life and death. The
beginning of the story is so lively described in such way that reader can almost smell the roses, feel the
warmth of sun rays, mirroring the happiness and enjoyment of the life itself. However, after the part
where death is mentioned there are little to no warm descriptions or personifications of the nature, but
rather cold passages with shadows, pale sky and smoke – representing not only the death but poverty of
the people (mean little cottages; shadow, crab-like moved across the window(p.12)).

Pygmalion – George Bernard Shaw