The Garden Party

Book Code: 1111011279745

Katherine Mansfield

ABOUT THE BOOK

Katherine Mansfield's "The Garden Party" tells the story of the wealthy Sheridan family preparing for a garden party. Laura, one of the daughters, initially shows an air of superiority, but she becomes intrigued by the workingmen setting up the marquee. When they learn of their neighbor's death, Laura believes the party should be canceled, but her family disagrees. After the party, Laura is asked to bring leftovers to the grieving neighbor's house. There, she confronts the reality of death and is struck by the peacefulness of the deceased man's face. Laura's emotional burden is evident when she meets her brother, unable to express her feelings. The story explores themes of class, privilege, and the contrast between life's beauty and the starkness of death.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) was a notable New Zealand writer of the modernist movement. Born in Wellington, she attended Fitzherbert Terrace School and later moved to England at 19. Her works, published under the name Katherine Mansfield, delved into themes of anxiety, sexuality, existentialism, and New Zealand identity. She formed relationships with influential literary figures like D. H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, and the Bloomsbury Group. Mansfield's poignant short stories and poetry have been celebrated worldwide, showcasing her impact on modernist literature and her complex exploration of identity and relationships. Mansfield's prolific writing produced notable works such as "At the Bay," "The Doll's House," "The Garden Party," and "A Cup of Tea." Elizabeth von Arnim, Mansfield's cousin, frequently visited during this period.