Can one truly lie to themselves? Depending on how favorable the outcome is, one can be expected to just that. Many times society instructs individuals on how to behave and conduct themselves, even if against their true desires. It takes a strong individual to break the mould, unfortunately The Boss, in the short story “The Fly” by Katherine Mansfield is unable to do so. The boss is depicted as the man in charge, he receives praise from those around him, and imposes his will on the world. He is sure of his actions and appears to be doing well in life and in business. However, it has been six years since the loss of his only son. The boss attempts to do his best to surmount this burden, but he does not have the tools to deal with his emotions.
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A lack of control in regards to his son’s life now leads him to present himself as the image of control. This facade is strengthened by the approval of others. Mansfield depicts this idea in the line; “ [The boss] was proud of his room; he liked to have it admired… it gave him a deep solid satisfaction” (Mansfield, 3). For the boss it is of utmost importance for his room to appear a reflection of himself. This reflection, however is just surface level, for an observer only sees the new paint and new carpet and new furniture, they cannot see the worn structure of the space. This analogy describes the boss’ persona as well, he is struck by grief over the loss of his son, but must maintain this figure of a man for society. Another line that clearly depicts his need for praise is: “ as he explained for the past - how many? - Weeks.” (4) This line hints at the repetition the boss exudes to the individuals that enter his office, for he explains over and over that he has “ had it done up lately” (4). Each time expecting a reply in amazement or congratulations. For if the boss hears that he is doing well, that in turn is all that he needs to hear. It is easy for the boss to think of himself as the image he portrays, when in reality he is emotionally unstable and unable to deal with his true …show more content…
Perhaps the boss wishes to hide this fact and bury his guilt, even from himself. While describing his new room to the man in front of him, the boss “ did not draw old Woodifield’s attention to the photograph… of a grave-looking boy in uniform” (5). This line provides a hint as to the past in which the boss feels he has something to hide. Knowing that he should have handled his relationship with his son differently, he denies the truth as it is easier to do as such. At the mention, of his departed son “Only a quiver in his eyelids had shown that he had heard” (16). The boss keeps his facade about him, even at the mention of a dark subject, one that is ultimately a main cause of the grief that he feels. However, the boss cannot control his involuntary response, he cannot control his true nature, and still expresses a twitch at the thought of his son’s loss. Mansfield informs the reader “For various reasons the boss has not been across” (18). This seems strange, for what reason could a man have, not to visit the grave of his only heir. It appears having to deal with the reality of his son 's death is overwhelming. He chooses to remain impartial to the loss of his son and maintain his facade. Hiding the loss of his son from others, and ultimately attempting to hide it from himself the boss continues to coast along life as if nothing could bother him at
A lack of control in regards to his son’s life now leads him to present himself as the image of control. This facade is strengthened by the approval of others. Mansfield depicts this idea in the line; “ [The boss] was proud of his room; he liked to have it admired… it gave him a deep solid satisfaction” (Mansfield, 3). For the boss it is of utmost importance for his room to appear a reflection of himself. This reflection, however is just surface level, for an observer only sees the new paint and new carpet and new furniture, they cannot see the worn structure of the space. This analogy describes the boss’ persona as well, he is struck by grief over the loss of his son, but must maintain this figure of a man for society. Another line that clearly depicts his need for praise is: “ as he explained for the past - how many? - Weeks.” (4) This line hints at the repetition the boss exudes to the individuals that enter his office, for he explains over and over that he has “ had it done up lately” (4). Each time expecting a reply in amazement or congratulations. For if the boss hears that he is doing well, that in turn is all that he needs to hear. It is easy for the boss to think of himself as the image he portrays, when in reality he is emotionally unstable and unable to deal with his true …show more content…
Perhaps the boss wishes to hide this fact and bury his guilt, even from himself. While describing his new room to the man in front of him, the boss “ did not draw old Woodifield’s attention to the photograph… of a grave-looking boy in uniform” (5). This line provides a hint as to the past in which the boss feels he has something to hide. Knowing that he should have handled his relationship with his son differently, he denies the truth as it is easier to do as such. At the mention, of his departed son “Only a quiver in his eyelids had shown that he had heard” (16). The boss keeps his facade about him, even at the mention of a dark subject, one that is ultimately a main cause of the grief that he feels. However, the boss cannot control his involuntary response, he cannot control his true nature, and still expresses a twitch at the thought of his son’s loss. Mansfield informs the reader “For various reasons the boss has not been across” (18). This seems strange, for what reason could a man have, not to visit the grave of his only heir. It appears having to deal with the reality of his son 's death is overwhelming. He chooses to remain impartial to the loss of his son and maintain his facade. Hiding the loss of his son from others, and ultimately attempting to hide it from himself the boss continues to coast along life as if nothing could bother him at