The Secret Price of Wealth Revealed

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that the common thread that seems to be woven throughout Katherine Mansfield's 'Garden Party Stories', and John Cheever's 'The Swimmer', is that affluence and social status have the potential to be limiting and destructive. The writer notes that there is a persistent message in these texts that, if one acquires too much opulence, it is common to lapse into a state of non-reality, or at least to be unable to tap into the bank of common sense. Further, the writer points out that although a leisurely life certainly could contribute to a unique set of problems, the stories illustrate what seems to be a commonly held attitude that the wealthy would not know a real problem if it bit them. The writer concludes that it is probably not desirable to attain wealth, because the more one has, the more devastating its loss.

From the Paper:

"Half naked, with his lack of sanity showing, he is headed down the social ladder, down to where Cheever thinks we should all feel lucky to be. As his journey progresses, Neddy realizes that much of what he thought was true is, in fact, not. His memory is deteriorated from alcohol, as well as from madness, the true price of opulence."
"Katherine Mansfield's hints at the hazards of wealth are perhaps more subtle. The first Chapter in the Garden Party is dedicated to the beauty and deep appreciation of nature at a summer vacation resort at the beach. These are seen through the eyes of a simple shepherd, to whom Mansfield gives an angelic quality. Within an almost other-worldly description of the morning, the shepherd whistles peacefully and smokes his pipe, with only the sheep, cat and dog for company."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Mansfield, Katherine Garden Party
• Cheever, John The Swimmer

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