The Garden Party is a short story written by Katherine Mansfield. It was first published in 1922 and is one of Mansfield's most well-known works. The story is set in a suburban neighborhood in New Zealand and follows the character Laura Sheridan as she navigates the complexities of social class and relationships.
Some themes that are present in the story include:
Social class: The story explores the differences in social status and wealth between the Sheridan family and their neighbors. Laura and her family are members of the upper middle class, while the guests at the garden party are from a range of social backgrounds.
Death: The story begins with the news of a neighbor's death, and this event serves as a catalyst for the events that follow. Laura is forced to confront her own mortality and the impermanence of life.
Growing up: Laura is a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, and the garden party serves as a coming-of-age moment for her. She is forced to confront her own beliefs and values and make decisions about her future.
Relationships: The story explores the relationships between Laura and her family, as well as the relationships between the various guests at the garden party. These relationships are complex and multifaceted, and they reveal the depth and complexity of human interactions.
Self-discovery: Through the events of the story, Laura is forced to confront her own beliefs and values and come to a greater understanding of herself and her place in the world.
