Discuss the Class Consciousness in “The Garden Party.”

Answer

Discuss the class consciousness in “The Garden Party.” 

In Katherine Mansfield’s (1888-1923) “The Garden Party” (1922), class consciousness is the central theme. The theme is woven into the narrative. Again, this theme shapes the characters’s outlooks and actions.

Social Divide and Right: The story portrays a clear class distinction between the Sheridans, an affluent family, and their working-class neighbors. Mansfield highlights this contrast when describing the Sheridan family’s luxurious lifestyle against the poor settings nearby. For instance, Laura Sheridan’s revelation of the poor cottagers near their villa emphasizes the divide: 

But we can’t possibly have a garden-party with a man dead just outside the front gate.

This quote highlights Laura’s naive understanding of the working-class reality.

Sense of Superiority: The characters’ attitudes often reflect a sense of entitlement and superiority. Laura’s mother dismisses the significance of a workman’s death, stating, 

People like that don’t expect sacrifices from us. 

This statement highlights the belief that the working class has different expectations and values, supporting a patronizing view.

The symbolism of the Garden Party: The party event symbolizes class divisions. The elegant preparations and the ignorance of the Sheridans to the workmen setting up the party tents signify their detachment from the working class. Laura’s conflict over whether to cancel the party after learning of the nearby death reflects the tension between her awareness of class differences and her family’s insensitivity.

In conclusion, Mansfield’s “The Garden Party” portrays class consciousness through the stark division between the privileged Sheridans and the poor neighboring cottagers. Laura’s journey of awareness and empathy serves as a lens through which Mansfield critiques the societal biases and class disparities prevalent in the era.