That Happens in the World? (Reading Assignment VII)

1. Mansfield seems to be showing the difference between the wealthier class of Laura with their perfect garden parties and lack of needing to care about the outside world and the poorer class of Mrs. Scott who now faces the loss of a husband and possibly the ability to feed her children. I believe this shows the differences between the wealthy and the poor classes of the story and the fact the wealthy class may not care for the plight of the poor class until something drastic happens.

2. The perfect weather and setting of the garden at the beginning of the story shows the quality of life for the wealthier class of the story. The fact that the roses were able the only type of flower to be known by the majority of guests can show that the class cares for nothing outside the normality of their life. The darkness of the poor people's section of the road contrasts the beauty seen earlier at the Sheridan's house.

After reading the other three responses, I would think that I began to the social differences and the fact that the wealthy avoid contact with the poor down the road. I could point out a few of the details leading to this conclusion such as the roses being the only flower the guests cared to recognize.

The comparison between Laura and Persephone adds to the idea that Laura's class believed themselves to be better then the poor below them. The comparison between the descent of Laura from her Olympus and Persephone gives a greater representation that she now entered a world unknown and different from her own. The comparison between Demeter and Mrs. Sheridan creates the character a greater meaning to the growing independence of Laura rather then simply being Laura's mother.