"They were all on stage. They weren't only the audience, not only looking on; they were acting."
(Mansfield, Pg. 86)
I feel that this passage in the story is compelling because this revelation helps her cope with her lonely life and gives her daily ritual a purpose. Rather than being just another old and lonely woman she convinces herself that she is an actress in a play and attempts to infuse some excitement and glamour into what otherwise might be interpreted as a lonely old lady sitting on a park bench getting all dressed up for nothing. I wonder if she proceeds through the same emotional process each day or was the day in question ruined by the young couple on the bench? Regardless, this story is a good example of how various people find ways to cope with the feelings that accompany getting older and having your best days behind you, particularly if one does this alone. I don't know for certain if the author intended for this to be a sad short story or not....it certainly left me feeling that way.
This is awesomely insightful. I was more focused on the technical side of things. Hmm, I usually am. Maybe you and the rest of the class can help me see the error of my ways.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, I'm sure it will help me learn to enjoy lit better.
-Jennifer
Reading this story I was actually kind of confused about what was going on to be honest. Your interpretation made me understand it a little better and I would have to agree with you. I think that she definitely was trying to help herself cope with being a lonely old lady just sitting on a park bench, she wanted to create more of a purpose for herself. Thanks for the insight on that!
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