Chapter 27: "A Test Case"

The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield signifies the rigid class distinctions that were laid out during this time period. This is evident in the grandiose and extravagance of the party that they are throwing; the elaborate and decadent food, the marquee that is being set up in the backyard, and the roses and expensive flowers juxtaposed against the grimy, dirty streets that Laura has to travel down to deliver the food to the widow whose husband just past away. I think the meaning of this is that it doesn't or shouldn't have to matter what class you come from to be kind and do nice things for other people, or you don't have to have "tunnel vision" and only talk to people who make up your class. Laura realizes this at the end when talking to Laurie about the visit to the widow's house by saying it was "simply marvelous". It had nothing to do with their class at all, they were just nice and kind people and Laura found that.

Mansfield throughout the story is trying to signify lightness and "feather-like" on how delicate the family is. Throughout the short story Mansfield uses very delicate and light things to represent Laura and her family. For example, on page 246, Mansfield describes actions Laura does as "away Laura flew". Not literally, but moved gracefully, lightly, and swiftly. She also describes Mrs. Sheridan's voice as "floating down the stairs." Again, lightness is being used. Mrs. Sheridan's voice did not bellow down the stairs, it simply floated. I believe that Mansfield used the lightness in her description of characters and actions to juxtapose the heaviness of a man dying right outside the garden party, and the family having this smug, unapologetic feeling towards him because they continue their garden party despite the death.

Overall, I didn't do too bad in analyzing the story. I got the significance of the story really well. The rigid class distinctions that Foster stated as well, I picked up from just the tone of voice and the way the story was heading in the beginning. However, what the story signifies I was close but I didn't hit the "nail on the head". Foster mentioned the signifying factor as "Birds and Flight" while I thought Mansfield was channeling delicacy and lightness.

The comparison between Laura and Persephone added to the appreciation, for me, of The Garden Party. The connection that was made with "olympian height" describing how they tower over lower classes was very unique and interesting. Also, comparing Laura's contained world with Persephone's world of darkness made me appreciate the story more.