The text is written in the modernist mode, without a set structure, and with many shifts in the narrative. Mansfield was seen as one of the prime innovators of the short story form.
This content is from Wikipedia. GradeSaver is providing this content as a courtesy until we can offer a professionally written study guide by one of our staff editors. We do not consider this content professional or citable. Please use your discretion when relying on it.
The Question and Answer section for The Garden Party is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
A minor theme in comparison to life, death is the catalyst by which change occurs in a number of key stories within the overall work. Mr. Scott’s death in "The Garden Party" awakens in Laura Sheridan, the main character, a dislike of her family’s...
The death of Mr. Scott, only a passing acquaintance, shocks Laura into action. She feels it would be incredibly rude of her family to proceed with their garden party so soon after Mr. Scott’s death especially because he lived and died so close to...
There is a rather sudden shift in mood as Laura enters the Cottages. There is a sort of apprehensive melancholy as dusk begins. There is a shadowy bog and the cottages began to be shaded in an oppressive way.
