Language

Style of language

The language used by Katherine Mansfield in the short story “The Garden Party” is formal and reflects the style of the 1900s and of the upper class. 

Formal language is mainly used when the Sheridans are speaking. When they talk, they use plenty of rhetorical questions which highlight their power, like in the following example: “ ‘Bank them up, just inside the door, on both sides of the porch, please,’ said Mrs. Sheridan. ‘Don't you agree, Laura?’ ” (ll. 147-148). 

Whenever rhetorical questions are used, readers are under the impression that they only give the illusion of dialogue, while they are, in fact, orders: “ ‘Now, if we put this chesterfield against the wall and move everything out of the room except the chairs, don't you think?’ ” (ll. 152-153). This example shows that Meg and Jose give the illusion of asking Hans’ opinion when they simply give him an order. 

When Laura goes to the poor neighborhood, the language becomes more informal. A woman calls Laura a “lass” (l. 431), while Em Scott’s sister speaks in broken English: “ ‘I'm 'er sister, miss. You'll excuse 'er, won't you?’ ” (ll. 448-449). The language of the working class reflects their poor background and the lack of formal education. 

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