1. by Katherine Mansfield
“The Garden Party”
by Katherine Mansfield

2. A “theme” can be defined as a “comment about life” that an author expresses in a story. It is through the theme that most of us can relate to a story.
Every Essay 2 probably will explain
a character or characters
a conflict
a resolution

3. Choose one character from the story and tell us what you think about that character. What facts from the story cause you to see the character in this way?
Breanna says, The character Laura from this story is a young, innocent girl. Most of all Laura is empathetic. This is portrayed when Laura hears news of the death of a man and becomes overwhelmed with emotions. She could not imagine continuing to host a social gathering and have fun while a man very close in proximity had just passed away. Laura also can be viewed as empathetic because of her courtesy to walk the bountiful basket to the house of the mourning.

4. Choose one character from the story and tell us what you think about that character. What facts from the story cause you to see the character in this way?
The Arum Lilies say, Laura, who seemed to have more morals than the rest of them stood out the most. She had compassion for the family who lost their loved one. She stood up when the others did not. She alone went to visit the family even despite her fear of the location

5. What types of conflict--person versus person, society, self, nature, and God/fate—do you think are in the story, and how are the conflicts shown?
Slytherin says, Person versus self – Laura doesn’t know whether to listen to her mother or follow her heart. She ends up listening to herself and brings leftovers to the dead man’s family, although nervous and doubtful at first.

6. What types of conflict--person versus person, society, self, nature, and God/fate—do you think are in the story, and how are the conflicts shown?
The Arum Lilies say, This story portrays a “person versus society” theme as Laura is the only one to have selfless compassion while the rest of her family and friends only thought of themselves, even pushing her to feel the same as them. Laura went to each family member to ask their opinions, to see if they should cancel. All became frustrated with her in the end.

7. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
Flying Solo says, Laura’s outfit for the party is one example. She feels almost over dressed, or out of place with her flashy outfit. It seems to fit with how she feels on the inside, the show must go on, but should it really? The same for her clothing. She’s not a flashy, fancy kind of girl but must dress the part for the party.

8. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
Slytherin says, Laura’s fancy hat – “she couldn’t look at herself” after her mother placed it on her head. The hat wasn’t true to her character, but her mother insisted because it would “spoil everybody’s enjoyment”. She was embarrassed carrying the hat when she visited the dead man’s family.

9. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
Connor says, When Laura notices the air and is enlightened by a ray from the sun, this symbolizes that most of the time it’s the little things that bring us happiness.

10. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
Luis’s Team says, Laura herself is a symbol of what a compassionate human being should be. Along with that what it means to be a good neighbor. Laura is the only one to feel sorrow for the man who lost his life and think about the loved ones that will be affected by this tragedy. Everyone else’s mind set is on the party and nothing else. … She is appalled by their reactions and choses to stick with her true feelings and not let the influence of others affect her compassion for the poor.

11. Another Thing to Consider
"No," sobbed Laura. "It was simply marvellous. But Laurie--" She stopped, she looked at her brother. "Isn't life," she stammered, "isn't life--" But what life was she couldn't explain. No matter. He quite understood. "Isn't it, darling?" said Laurie.

12. Another Thing to Consider
Laura obviously is overwhelmed with emotions and seems to realize something important at the end of the story. What does she realize?

13. A final thought . . .
Excellent work!