The Garden Party

Mansfield interweaves flowers through the story. What is the significance of the flowers, and how does their symbolism relate to individual characters? Address at least two characters in your answer.

At the wake, Laura sees the presence of the dead man as a “marvel” (12). What does this word say about the nature of her epiphany? Examine the rest of the language in the passage where Laura encounters the dead body; how does this passage convey the “marvellous” nature of what she sees?

At the end of the story, Laura can’t explain life to Laurie, yet the story is concerned with themes of life and death. How does the story characterize life, and what techniques does Mansfield use in that characterization? How does your view of life compare with what the story portrays?

“The Garden Party” is a coming-of-age story, and Laura’s empathy is part of what drives her maturation; this empathy is also what distinguishes her from her family. How does the story relate empathy to maturity? To develop your answer, identify at least three moments when Laura shows empathy, and explore how this helps propel her to the next stage of life, psychologically.

Mansfield’s stories are known for featuring the concept of epiphany, a transfiguring moment when a character experiences a sudden realization that irrevocably alters their vision of the world and of themselves. Laura has her epiphany when she gazes on the dead Mr. Scott. What do you think changes in the way she sees the world, and how does the story prepare Laura for this epiphany? In your answer, cite specific examples from the text.

What is a garden party? Historically, who held garden parties? How does the title of the story reflect the theme of class distinctions?

Laura sees the party guests as “happy” (9), yet this is also how she sees the dead Mr. Scott in addition to seeing him as “content” (12). Consider the use of these words. Why would Mr. Scott be content? How does this relate to the story’s themes?

Research the writings of the Bloomsbury literary group in 1920s London. Which authors were a part of this group? Which topics and themes did they write about? Are Mansfield’s writings similar in content or style? Why or why not?