Katherine Mansfield

Key Points about Mansfield’s life Lived and wrote during the early 1900’s. Was part of the upper-middle class Hated the restrictions that upper-class society placed upon women during this era. Was extremely independent and cynical of men. Particularly her controlling father. Married and left her first husband George Bowden within 3 weeks. Miscarried after an affair with musician Garnett Trowell. She never became pregnant again. Contracted an STD which weakened her health Had bisexual tendencies and was cheated on by her husband – John Middleton Murray. Began writing stories about NZ childhood after her brothers death.

Key Points on Mansfield’s Writing Mansfield’s story’s do not have a conventional plot. They revolve largely around one main moment/happening. Plot is often secondary to conveying a sense or mood and characterization. Imagery and symbolism are dominant features used by Mansfield to convey main ideas. The themes Mansfield explores are universal – loneliness, isolation, love, delusion, reality, men’s and women’s roles. Her work expresses many of her criticisms of society and the role of women in particular. Often her stories reflect aspects of Mansfield’s own life -