Rosemary Fell Rosemary Fell is the main character in the story ‘A Cup of Tea’, written by Katherine Mansfield. She explored the inner recesses of the human psyche. Her short stories dramatize human emotions creating situations, which are at once tender and brittle. ‘A Cup of Tea’ is one of her most popular short stories. In this story Mansfield focuses on the working of a woman’s mind when her romantic dreams come into conflict with reality. In this way she dramatizes small the effect that small human failings like jealousy can have. Rosemary finds her self feeling as if she is not beautify enough for her husband who finds Rosemary’s house guest attractive.
TWS Identify key character traits and themes for the short story “A Cup of Tea” by completing a character chart of Rosemary Fell. Focus: Find 2 direct quotes that identify the Rosemary’s Jealousy. Quick Questions 1.What is jealousy, how do some people portray it? 2.What is the difference between jealousy and envy? 3.What causes jealousy, what type of things can make a person jealous?
Theme The Theme- The theme of the story is that even with money a person can still not be happy. 1. What can someone say or do that makes a person jealous? 2. Would you feel guilty if you were more fortunate then someone else? 3. Would you rather be jealous or compassionate? ““Philip,” she whispered, and she pressed his head against her bosom, “am I pretty?”” (Mansfield 1112) “Why should I be so cruel? No, I only want to make you warm and to hear- anything you care to tell me.” (Mansfield 1107) Wondering if her husband still likes her, she asks him questions about if he loves her husband likes her (Mansfield 226-229) Feeling depressed and astonished by the looks of Ms. Smith, she begs her to come to her house for tea and to warm up (Mansfield 86-89)
Quotes Explained 1. Rosemary doubts that’s her husband is attracted to her anymore. 2. she was rude to her husband and see that she could have been a better person to him. 3.She wanted to know if her husband still loved her. 4.She is being very nice to a woman less fortunate.
Rosemary Character Chart Actions: “I only want to make you warm and to hear anything you care to tell me.”(Mansfield 1107) Says: Rosemary Feelings: Appearance (Looks):
Open-ended Questions Why did she feel of jealous of Mrs. Smith. Use one direct quote. Todays world how would you feel if you were Rosemary.