How Does Katherine Mansfield Portray a Contrast Between the Rich And the Poor in Her Story “The Garden Party”?

Answer

How does Katherine Mansfield portray a contrast between the rich and the poor in her story “The Garden Party”?

Or, how does Katherine Mansfield depict a sharp contrast between the haves and have-nots in her story “The Garden Party”?

Or, how does Katherine Mansfield depict social-class division in “The Garden Party”? 

Katherine Mansfield’s (1888-1923) short story “The Garden Party” (1922) vividly portrays the divide between the wealthy Sheridan family and their working-class neighbors, the Scotts. Through characters’ interactions, attitudes, and symbolic contrasts, Mansfield explores how social-class divisions create barriers to empathy and understanding. The story highlights both the indifference of the rich and the struggles of the poor.

The Sheridan Family’s Privilege: The Sheridans are wealthy and live in a large, beautiful house. The house is surrounded by a well-maintained garden. The Sheridans throw a lavish garden party. They spend a lot of money on food, decorations, and entertainment. This privilege separates them from the Scotts, who live in “poky little holes” at the bottom of the hill. The Sheridans believe the poor do not belong in their neighborhood. Mrs. Sheridan remarks,

People like that don’t expect sacrifices from us.

This comment shows Mrs. Sheridan’s lack of concern for the Scotts’ suffering.

Laura’s Awareness of Class Differences: Unlike the rest of her family, Laura is sensitive to the hardships of the working class. When some workmen come to set up the marquee for the garden party, Laura notices their kindness and simplicity. She thinks it is “absurd” to maintain strict class distinctions. She imagines a world where she could be friends with everyone. However, her thoughts reveal her limited understanding.

The Scotts’ Tragedy: The Scotts live down the hill in poverty. When Mr. Scott dies in a road accident, his family is left to grieve in their small cottage. Laura is deeply affected by the tragedy. She suggests that they should cancel the garden party. She says:

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

Laura is the only person in her family who doesn’t think it’s right to throw a party when a neighbor has just been killed in a horrific accident. Mrs. Sheridan and Jose both accuse her of being extravagant and unreasonable. The contrast between the lavish party and the Scotts’ suffering emphasizes the social-class divide.

The Basket of Leftover Foods: After the party, Mrs. Sheridan sends Laura to the Scotts’ home with leftover food. This act highlights the Sheridans’ lack of understanding. Laura feels uncomfortable. She thinks that her fine dress and hat are inappropriate for the grieving family. When she sees Mr. Scott’s body, she realizes that a luxurious lifestyle, like the garden party, is meaningless in the face of death. She apologizes, saying, “Forgive my hat.” It symbolizes her shame and growing awareness.

In conclusion, Katherine Mansfield highlights the gap between the haves and have-nots in “The Garden Party.” Through the Sheridans’ attitudes and Laura’s conflict, Mansfield critiques the indifference of the upper class. The Sheridans’ wealth blinds them to the struggles of their neighbors. The story suggests readers think about the social-class divisions and the need for genuine empathy and connection.