Katherine Mansfield’s “A Garden Party” is a story portraying the distinctions between the lower and upper classes of society, and how the lower class is viewed by the higher society. A wealthy family, the Sheridans, is hosting a lovely garden party for many respected guests. There is to be a band, much fun and wonderful food throughout the day. Before the party starts, Laura, the youngest Sheridan, learns of a terrible death which occurred to a poor family just down the lane. Laura immediately insists on a change of plans for their party much to her family’s shock and displeasure. Laura Sheridan is naïve concerning the distinctions between the two classes of society putting her at odds with the standards of her family, and although she eventually conforms, the end of the story leaves her suddenly facing the blatant, cold reality of their ignorance.
Laura is naïve as to the distinctions between upper class and lower class life, proven by her dealings with the workmen, and how she wants to cancel the garden party on account of the accident. Having grown up in a wealthy family, she realizes the standards which they hold to, but fails to …show more content…
Society pressures people into regarding things in certain ways, and young Laura was not yet aware of all that it entails. Her young age and naivety lends her a more compassionate outlook - a perspective that most high society would reject just as her family did. Laura’s viewpoint is brought into a whole new light when she takes the basket of goodies to the poor people. Katherine Mansfield’s “A Garden Party” shows how Laura’s attitude is quite different than other members of her family who follow the standards of society and this sets her in conflict with them; furthermore, it demonstrates how oblivious higher society actually is to the reality of
Laura is naïve as to the distinctions between upper class and lower class life, proven by her dealings with the workmen, and how she wants to cancel the garden party on account of the accident. Having grown up in a wealthy family, she realizes the standards which they hold to, but fails to …show more content…
Society pressures people into regarding things in certain ways, and young Laura was not yet aware of all that it entails. Her young age and naivety lends her a more compassionate outlook - a perspective that most high society would reject just as her family did. Laura’s viewpoint is brought into a whole new light when she takes the basket of goodies to the poor people. Katherine Mansfield’s “A Garden Party” shows how Laura’s attitude is quite different than other members of her family who follow the standards of society and this sets her in conflict with them; furthermore, it demonstrates how oblivious higher society actually is to the reality of