The story takes a sharp turn when the young couple came to sit down beside Miss Brill. Before they came, Miss Brill has been having imaginations, imagining herself as an important part of the park scene, as an “actress” in the performance. When she overhears the conversation between the boy and the girl, , she finds out what others think of her. a. How does this scene convey the nature of Miss Brill’s life?
9. At the end of the story, Miss Brill bypasses the honey cake, her Sunday treat, and returns to her “cupboard” of a room. It is clear that she is crying as she puts away her fur.
a. What does this action reveal about Miss Brill?
b. Do you think something has changed for her?
The Garden Party” Katherine Mansfield
A major theme in the story is the relationship between classes. What do you think the author was trying to communicate to the reader about class distinctions?
In what ways has Laura grown up in this short story?
What was the central conflict of this story?
What do you think Laura would have said if she finished her question at the end of the story?
What does the black hat with the yellow flowers symbolize? When Laura sees the dead man why does she say “Forgive my hat”?
