“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (1939) By James Thurber page 128

Discussion  Mrs. Mitty, a flat character?  One main character trait – bossy, overbearing  Walter Mitty, a round character?  Shy and meek but bold and confident in his daydreams  Walter Mitty, static character or a dynamic one?  Static – he hasn’t changed by end of story  A limited-third person narrator reveals the thoughts of only one character, through whose eyes we see the other characters. Effect of Thurber’s use of the third-person limited point of view in this story?  Reader develops sympathy for Walter Mitty

Discussion (cont.)  In Walter Mitty’s daydreams, how do the other characters treat him?  Respectfully; look up to him  Judging from what she says and does, how does Mrs. Mitty feel about her husband?  She seems annoyed and irritated  What is the author’s purpose in including this passage: “’Not so fast! You’re driving too fast!’ said Mrs. Mitty. ‘What are you driving so fast for?’” (Thurber 129)?  Mrs. Mitty gives him orders and treats him like a child  While reading the story, what is the connection between Mitty’s daydreams and his real life?  The events in the story shift from reality to daydream– something that is really happening triggers the daydream… For example, driving by the hospital– triggers the daydream in which Mitty is an important doctor who saves a patient.