Because of the complex issues raised, this is one of Katherine Mansfield’s most highly acclaimed stories. A wealthy family enjoy an ostentatious garden party in the spacious grounds of their mansion, fully aware that the father of a poverty-stricken family living within hearing distance died in an accident earlier the same day. Only one family member (a teen-aged girl) is sensitive to the poor family’s plight. She visits the house to offer condolences, and experiences an epiphany when unexpectedly ushered in to view the body. Themes include social class (class-consciousness, pretention, insensitivity towards others), poverty, innocence, humanity, coming of age.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (5,350 words)
Video Version – Reading by the Author
This 1974 film adaption does a good job of capturing the general spirit of the story. However, in addition to changing the period from the 1920s to shortly after World War 2, observant viewers will notice that some important aspects of the plot and setting (and one of the characters!) are omitted. Watch and enjoy!