The Doll’s House: A Story of Social Class and Childhood Cruelty
Analysis of “The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield
Exploring Themes of Social Class and Childhood Cruelty
1. What details suggest that the narrator is entering into the minds of the children?
The narrator provides insights into the children’s thoughts and feelings, particularly in the final paragraph on page 1301. The girls’ immediate reactions and internal monologues, such as their admiration for the dollhouse’s opening mechanism, reveal the narrator’s access to their inner world.
2. Does the narrator want us to sympathize with the Burnells? How can you tell?
The narrator subtly guides the reader’s sympathy towards the Kelvey girls, highlighting their exclusion and contrasting it with Isabel Burnell’s social dominance under the pine tree. This suggests a lack of sympathy for the Burnells’ privileged position.
3. Whose attitude toward the “little Kelveys” are we hearing in these paragraphs?
The paragraphs reflect the judgmental and prejudiced attitudes of the surrounding community towards the Kelveys. The sarcastic remark about their suitability as companions for other children exemplifies this societal perspective.
4. What has caused the girls to be cruel to the Kelveys? What are the effects of their cruelty?
The girls’ cruelty stems from their anxiety about social status and their desire to impress one another. This cruelty has a multifaceted impact, making Lena appear foolish and ultimately contributing to the girls’ feelings of exuberance, highlighting the complex dynamics of social hierarchy and childhood behavior.
Delving Deeper into Character and Motivation
Whose feelings are we hearing in this passage?
The passage reveals Aunt Beryl’s feelings, particularly her anxiety and unease, leaving the reader to speculate about the content of the disturbing letter.
What is the ultimate cause of this return to silence?
The silence is attributed to a sense of satisfaction and contentment, particularly Else Kelvey’s glimpse of the beautiful little lamp within the dollhouse, symbolizing a moment of peace and wonder.
Check for Understanding
- The doll’s house is a white Victorian house. [False]
- Kezia tells her schoolmates about the house first. [False]
- Kezia’s favorite part of the doll’s house is the lamp. [True]
Extend the Discussion
Making Generalizations: What were your first impressions of the doll’s house as it was just being unpacked? How does this impression change?
Initially, the dollhouse appears unimpressive due to its strong paint smell, peculiar colors, and imperfections. However, upon opening, it transforms into something special and captivating.
Theme: At what point does the reader become aware that the theme relates to privilege and wealth in this story?
The theme of privilege and wealth emerges early on with the arrival of the expensive dollhouse, a gift unlikely for a child from a less affluent background.
Identifying Cause and Effect: What effect did the Burnells’ refusal to speak to the Kelveys have on the other children?
The Burnells’ social influence led to the widespread ostracization of the Kelveys, highlighting the power dynamics and social conformity within the children’s community.
Characterization: Kezia and Isabel fuss about the lamp in the doll’s house but totally exclude the little Kelveys and mock their clothing. What determination can you make about these characters based on this passage?
Their behavior suggests that Kezia and Isabel are self-absorbed and spoiled, highlighting the negative aspects of their privileged upbringing.
Examining Social Dynamics and Individual Perspectives
Why aren’t the Burnells allowed to speak to the Kelveys?
The Burnells are forbidden from interacting with the Kelveys due to their lower social class, reinforcing the rigid social hierarchy of the time.
What is the teacher’s attitude toward the Kelveys?
The teacher also exhibits a condescending attitude towards the Kelveys, perpetuating the cycle of social prejudice.
Why do you think the Kelveys understand each other so well?
Lil and Else share a deep understanding due to their shared experiences of being marginalized and excluded.
According to this story, what are the causes and effects of childhood cruelty?
The story suggests that social stratification and the pursuit of status contribute to the cruel treatment of the Kelveys, highlighting the damaging consequences of societal inequalities.
Analyzing the Narrative and Symbolic Elements
Compare and Contrast: Why does Isabel invite friends to see the doll’s house? Why does Kezia invite Lil and Else to see it?
Isabel’s invitation is driven by a desire to show off, while Kezia’s invitation to the Kelveys stems from a genuine desire to share the beauty and wonder of the dollhouse, particularly the lamp.
Analyze: How would you state the story’s theme? Use textual evidence for support.
The story explores the themes of social status, the desire for belonging, and the consequences of prejudice, as evidenced by the Burnells’ behavior and the Kelveys’ exclusion.
Make Judgments: How do you feel about the cruelty exhibited by Lil and Else’s classmates?
The cruelty displayed by the classmates is likely to evoke feelings of disapproval and empathy for the marginalized Kelveys.
Interpret: At the end of the story, the narrator asks of Lil and Else, “What were their thoughts?” What do you believe they were thinking?
Else’s simple statement, “I seen the little lamp,” suggests that the Kelveys were captivated by the beauty and warmth of the dollhouse, offering a glimmer of hope and imagination amidst their challenging circumstances.
Evaluate: Is this story realistic, that is, do events like this happen anywhere, anytime? Explain.
The story’s themes of social hierarchy and childhood cruelty resonate with timeless and universal experiences, reflecting the enduring relevance of Mansfield’s work.
Literary Skills: Narrative Voice
Analyze: Find details in the story that show that the narrator is able to enter into the feelings and minds of all the main characters. How would the story change if the narrator focused only on Lil and Else?
The narrator’s ability to delve into the thoughts and emotions of various characters provides a multifaceted perspective on the events. Focusing solely on Lil and Else would limit the reader’s understanding of the broader social dynamics and the perspectives of the privileged characters.
Literary Skills Review: Symbol
Interpret: A symbol stands both for itself and for something beyond itself. Find details in the story that suggest that the doll’s house might symbolize an imaginary world more perfect and more ordered than the one in which the girls live. How would this symbol make Kezia’s desire to share that world with the Kelveys more significant?
The dollhouse represents an idealized world of beauty and order, contrasting with the harsh realities of social inequality. Kezia’s desire to share this world with the Kelveys highlights her empathy and compassion, offering a glimpse of inclusivity and acceptance.