1 The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield (finished 8/22/2011)

Wealthy Laura and her family had a garden party. It was all planned out perfectly until Laura heard that Mr. Scott in her neighborhood had just died of a horse accident. Laura was confused. She felt that it was wrong for her to have a garden party while a funeral was going on in her neighborhood. Her sister and her mother both told her to forget about the dead man and enjoy the perfect party. They thought that it was none of their business. Laura had the most successful party. When the party was over, her mother Mrs. Sheridan saw the leftover food, so she made a basket. Laura was angry that her mother did not stop the party but wanted to give the "leftover" to Mr. Scott's family. Eventually Laura went to the dark people area and into Mrs. Scott's house. She was afraid, because she was wearing the most beautiful hat she had just got from her mother. She wanted to run away, but it was too late. Mrs. Scott invited her in and Laura saw Mr. Scott lying peacefully on his bed, dreaming. Never to be awaken. Laura thought about how he looked so happy and content and magnificent. He had gone away from all the things in this world. Then she left and started crying and met Laurie, her brother, on the street. Laura tried to tell Laurie "Isn't life..." but she could not say what is was. Laurie told her he understood.