...BRITISH LITERATURE (Collected by Trần Quang Nhu) 1. THE GARDEN PARTY by Katherine Mansfield 1. Plot Summary .The cloudless summer day is perfect for the garden party at the home of the well-to-do Sheridan family. Before breakfast ends, four workmen arrive to set up the marquee (a tent or canopy to shield partygoers from the elements). Because Meg has just washed her hair and Jose is still in her petticoat, Mrs. Sheridan assigns the task of supervising the men to Laura. Taking a piece of buttered bread with her, Laura goes outside to begin her task. .......When she suggests that the men–all smiling and quite friendly–set up the marquee on the lily lawn, a fat man considers the idea but a tall man man says it would not get enough attention there. "You want to put it somewhere where it'll give you a bang slap in the eye." Laura wonders whether it is respectful of a laborer to speak to a girl of her upbringing in the crude language (bang slap) of the common people. .......Laura then recommends a corner of the tennis court. Although a band will be playing on the court, she says, there will still be room for the marquee. Another man suggests placing the marquee against the karaka trees. Laura dislikes the idea of hiding the broad leaves and yellow fruit of the karakas, but the workmen are already heading toward them with the staves and rolls of canvas. She is impressed that one workman stops to smell lavender. Too bad the boys who come calling...
Words: 19568 - Pages: 79
