Essay Questions

How does Katherine Mansfield use the character of Rosemary Fell to explore class disparity and superficial charity?

Rosemary Fell represents the wealthy upper class. Her encounter with Miss Smith highlights the vast disparity between the rich and the poor. Mansfield uses Rosemary's impulsive decision to take Miss Smith home as a critique of the triteness associated with charitable acts by the wealthy. Rosemary's actions are not driven by genuine compassion but rather by a desire to feel morally superior. This is evident when her interest in helping Miss Smith wanes as soon as her husband comments on the girl’s beauty. The story invites readers to question the sincerity of charity when it is performed more for the benefactor’s satisfaction than the benefit of those in need. Mansfield also uses Rosemary’s interactions with Miss Smith to highlight the power dynamics in handouts. Rosemary's decision to help is an exertion of her power since she controls the situation entirely. This highlights how aid can sometimes be more about control and self-aggrandizement.

In what ways does the story reflect Rosemary's internal conflict between her self-perception and her reality?

Rosemary sees herself as a modern woman who is compassionate and above petty insecurities. However, her reaction to Philip’s admiration of Miss Smith shows a divergence between her self-perception and her reality. Rosemary's jealousy and quick decision to send Miss Smith away illustrate her internal conflict and the fragility of her self-esteem. Mansfield portrays this conflict through Rosemary’s sudden change in demeanor, which indicates that her self-image as a confident woman is easily shattered when faced with perceived competition. Her actions reveal the dissonance between who she believes she is and who she is. Another layer to Rosemary's internal conflict is her need for validation from others, particularly her husband. The insecurity she feels when Philip comments on Miss Smith’s beauty hints at a deeper fear of being replaced. Thus, the story explores the fragility of self-identity when it is too dependent on external validation.

How does the setting of the story enhance the themes of wealth, privilege, and detachment from reality?

Rosemary's luxurious lifestyle is depicted through the detailed descriptions of her shopping spree and elegant home. The opulence of Rosemary's surroundings highlights her detachment from the realities faced by those less fortunate. Consequently, the act of bringing Miss Smith—a figure of poverty—into this space is a physical and symbolic intrusion. However, instead of bridging the gap, Rosemary’s actions reinforce it as she quickly ejects this reminder of the world’s inequalities from her life. This setting magnifies Rosemary’s insensitivity to the world outside her privileged bubble. Through this, Mansfield criticizes the upper class’s tendency to view the poor as curiosities or opportunities for self-congratulation.