Draw a character sketch of Laura Sheridan, the protagonist of Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party’

Laura Sheridan, the protagonist in Katherine Mansfield’s ‘The Garden Party’, is a young woman from a wealthy family. Her simplicity, romanticism and lack of class consciousness are evident when she prefers the company of the workmen setting up the marquee over her upper class peers. This also indicates her fascination with the working class and the romantic side of her character. Caring and empathetic, she asks her father if the band members would be given drinks. When she hears of Mr Scott’s death, a poor carter living nearby, she feels troubled and even wants to cancel the party, showcasing her sensitivity, moral conscience. This sets her apart from her family, who prioritize the party’s success over empathy. However, Laura lacks firmness of character and hence, is easily influenced by her mother and other family members’ decision of not cancelling the party. Laura’s character reflects the tension between her privileged upbringing and her growing awareness of the inequalities between the rich and the poor. Finally, Laura experiences a moment of epiphany during her visit to Mr Scott’s family which changes her perspective on life and death. This experience deeply affects her, highlighting her internal conflict and growth as an independent being. ‘The Garden Party’ presents Laura’s journey from simplicity and superficiality to maturity and awareness.

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