Literary Analysis Essay of Katherine Mansfield’s ‘The Doll’s House’
The Doll’s House is one of Katherine Mansfield’s famous short stories. Written in 1922, the piece was featured in The Nation and Atheneum. The central plot of the story examines the Doll’s house of the Burnell children and the corresponding symbolisms it presents to readers of the story. Mansfield writes the piece as a way to recall her childhood experiences growing up, especially with encounters during her education. By integrating the story from an observer’s standpoint, Mansfield is able to create various meanings as far as human interaction is concerned and the process of socialization.
Upon close examination of the story, the theme that stands out is the distinctions between social classes in the story. These particular disparities can be seen in the manner that rich families such as the Burnell children mingle with the working class (Kelveys) within an enclosed environment. Though situated in a learning institution, there are obvious discrimination and prejudice shown by both instructors and students (Begotti and Conrado 1). In particular, this preference is demonstrated among the rich while children belonging from the working class are depicted to be snubbed or given little importance.
Another important theme that the story portrays is the notion of how schools remain to be a powerful institution for discrimination and oppression. Upon deeper analysis, Mansfield provides a critique and a depiction of a harsh reality that is evident during her time. Even if schools were created to serve the child’s interest for learning, it becomes an instrument where distinctions surrounding social and economic standing are manifested (Azerêdo 52). From how Mansfield story progresses, instead of promoting fair treatment among students, favoritism and special favor is shown to rich families including the Burnell children. This sad representation illustrates how society through its institutions advance discriminative practices and becomes a norm for acceptable behavior.
The use of symbolisms is also evident in Mansfield story. The most apparent is of course the Doll’s house given to the Burnell children. Arguably, this object remains to be an instrument to show the social divide among classes in school. The exclusion of Lil and Else to see the doll house was made apparent because the rich people in school believes that they have no right to mingle due to their social status (Mansfield 1). In addition, the object also symbolizes the fine things in life that are neglected to the working class group. Arguably, it shows that amidst the objective of schools to provide equal opportunities for all, there will always be situations of disparity among those who are better off and those who are not.
Despite the different instances where Mansfield portrays prejudice, there is an instance where she demonstrates the innocence of the child. Specifically, the willingness of Kezia to invite the Kelvey’s to view the doll house despite the continuing rebuke of her peers (Mansfield 1). Arguably, this demonstrates the purity of the child’s intentions that amidst the labels and prejudice against the working class group, she finds significance in reaching out to the Kelvey children.
Overall, Katherine Mansfield’s ‘the Doll’s House’ depicts numerous social realities and offer readers learning insights on how discrimination continues to occur among social classes. The story expounds further in the educational system, where the environment should provide equal opportunities for children, but further widen the gap between the rich and poor. Through her storytelling, Mansfield is able to depict these challenges while at the same time demonstrates that amidst the promotion of this norm, the child’s innocence prevails wherein one sees another not based on her social background but rather as equals who deserve to appreciate the beauty and value that the doll’s house brings to the eyes of a child.
Works Cited
Azerêdo, Genilda. ‘Affective (Mis)encounters in ‘The Doll’s House’ (A Discussion of Katherine Mansfield’s Short Story), Ilha do Desterro, 65(2013): 49-62. Accessed 11 August 2014.
Begotti, Caio and Conrado Carlos. ‘Katherine Mansfield: English Literature - UPFR’ 17 May 2010. Web. Accessed 11 August 2014.
Mansfield, Katherine. The Doll’s House, n.d. Web. Accessed 11 August 2014.
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