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“The Garden Party”, “Prelude”, “Je ne parle pas francais” - Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield is probably the most famous writer from New Zealand. Her short stories are full of spiritual power and feminine life perception. All her literary works are remarkable by a special psychological analysis of the character. Modern critics consider Mansfield to be a very sincere author, who writes from her personal inner world instead of simply copying the general reality.

“The Garden Party” is a short story written in 1992. It reveals the life of the Sheridan family, which is very rich and classy. All its members are making preparations for a luxurious garden party. Meanwhile, young Laura finds out that Mr. Scott, one of their poor neighbors, has died in a terrible accident.

She suggests canceling the party from ethical reasons, but all the Sheridans find this idea absurd. After the party, Laura decides to visit the family of Mr. Scott and bring them tasty leftovers. There, in a modest house, she gets to see a suffering wife and the body of her dead husband. At such a sight, tears start falling down her cheeks and she runs towards home.

“Prelude” is a short story written in 1918. It describes the life of the Burnell family, which has recently moved out from the city and bought a house in the country. At the first glance, this work might seem rather simple, without an astonishing plot. However, the author presents the inner world of each character, his sorrows and thoughts.

Lottie and Kezia, for example, are two little girls with childish concerns and a pretty happy life. Linda Burnell is their mother, who seems satisfied, but in reality is longing to leave her husband. Aunt Beryl is dreaming about having her own money and not depending on someone else. In other words, this is a story about the human soul and its efforts to become happy.

The short story “Je ne parle pas fran?ais” was written in 1917. The title means “I don’t speak French”. This literary work presents the story of Raoul Duquette, a French writer. The plot is concentrated on his relationships with an English writer, Dick Harmon. The two men are having a special friendship, with unexplainable trust and attraction.

But Dick leaves unexpectedly, announcing about his departure only a day before. Though the friends write letters to each other, their relationship becomes cold. After a time, Dick arrives to Paris accompanied by a beautiful lady, named Mouse. Raoul finds out that they are lovers and reads a letter in which his friend is breaking up with Mouse. The French writer falls in love with the English lady, but he never saws her again after that night.

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