1. Katherine Mansfield

2. 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.

3. 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 -