A Review of “the Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield Essay Example

Katherine Mansfield's short story "The Garden Party" presents the Sheridan family as stereotypical wealthy individuals who hold themselves above common people. However, Laura Sheridan stands out as a more relatable character who shows concern for others despite the self-centeredness of her family. Growing up in a sheltered environment, Laura lacked exposure to poverty, hunger, labor, and death until the end of the story.

Despite growing up with a heartless and self-absorbed mother, Mrs. Sheridan, and sibling, Jose, Laura manages to exhibit a caring and sensitive nature. Her family is only concerned with their luxurious lifestyle of parties, social events, fashionable hats, and gourmet food, disregarding those who lack wealth or expensive possessions. Laura’s compassion is apparent when she reacts with horror upon hearing of a man’s untimely death while