"Garden Party"

"Garden Party" is a short story by Katherine Mansfield that explores themes of social class, innocence, and self-awareness. It follows a young girl named Laura who is excited about hosting a garden party at her family’s home. When she learns that a working-class man from a nearby neighborhood has died, she begins to question the significance of her celebration. The story highlights moments of personal growth, contrasting superficial social rituals with deeper reflections on life and mortality. Overall, it examines the tension between societal expectations and genuine human understanding.