Laura is the daughter of a privileged family whose worldview is limited to that of their own social class. As her family prepares to host a lavish garden party, she and her siblings are drawn into the festivities as they discuss the choice of flowers, the placement of the tent, the types of sandwiches, and, of course, their expensive costumes. The activity is not even interrupted by the news of the death of a poor young worker who lives nearby. When the party is over, however, Laura's mother suggests that she take the leftover food to the deceased's family. Laura meets the dead man's family, and, in an unwelcome surprise, sees the corpse of the dead man himself. As she returns to her frivolous life, the reader is left to decide whether the confrontation will change Laura's outlook on life. This short story, first published in 1922, is as relevant today as it was then, when it sought to expose the callousness of the upper class. This edition includes a critical essay on the story and a short biography of the author by Kate Riggs, both of which are excellent. There is also a photograph of a garden party from the 1920s that vividly illustrates the milieu of the time. The layout and presentation of this story, which is part of the "Creative Short Stories" series by the publisher, is quite good, and the book should be a welcome addition to any school library. The only questionable aspect is the decision by the publisher to put some of the passages in colored type. This could be viewed as a type of study guide, as it certainly draws the reader's attention, but it is probably not necessary, since it tends to interfere with the flow of the work. Reviewer: Leona Illig
The Sheridan family is preparing to host a garden party. Laura is supposed to be in charge, but has trouble with the workers who appear to know better, and her mother (Mrs. Sheridan) has ordered lilies to be delivered for the party without Laura's approval. Her sister Jose tests the piano, and then sings a song in case she is asked to do so again later. After the furniture is rearranged, they learn that their neighbor Mr. Scott has died. While Laura believes the party should be called off, neither Jose nor their mother agrees. The party is a success, and later Mrs. Sheridan decides it would be good to bring a basket full of leftovers to the Scotts' house. She summons Laura to do so. Laura is shown into the poor neighbors' house by Mrs. Scott's sister, then sees the widow and her late husband's corpse. The sight of his dead body brings her to tears, and she runs off back to her own house, where she falls sobbing into her brother's arms.
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The Garden Party
The Sheridan family is preparing to host a garden party. Laura is supposed to be in charge, but has trouble with the workers who appear to know better, and her mother (Mrs. Sheridan) has ordered lilies to be delivered for the party without Laura's approval. Her sister Jose tests the piano, and then sings a song in case she is asked to do so again later. After the furniture is rearranged, they learn that their neighbor Mr. Scott has died. While Laura believes the party should be called off, neither Jose nor their mother agrees. The party is a success, and later Mrs. Sheridan decides it would be good to bring a basket full of leftovers to the Scotts' house. She summons Laura to do so. Laura is shown into the poor neighbors' house by Mrs. Scott's sister, then sees the widow and her late husband's corpse. The sight of his dead body brings her to tears, and she runs off back to her own house, where she falls sobbing into her brother's arms.
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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940171204082 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Saland Publishing |
| Publication date: | 08/29/2020 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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