Marxism and Literature: Marxist Analysis of ‘The Garden Party’

Abstract

Research is conducted on Marxism but many literary genres still need to be studied using Marxist lens. Short stories like ‘The Garden Party’ gives realistic depiction of life so demands a Marxist explanation. It is full of themes and characters, every individual encounters frequently in real life, has not yet been studied in view of some economic or social theory. This research aims to analyse this short story applying Marxism to yield plurality of meanings embedded in it and to widen compass of this economic and political theory. Research technique used here is qualitative in nature as it analyses ‘words and phrases’ used in the text to decipher its underlying theme. The findings of this study gives an insight into social condition of a common human being and subjugation of lower social class in the hands of upper social class. Further, it scrutinizes “the politics of class” to observe socio-economic circumstances of individuals and societies along with asserting how people are shaped, and their behaviour is affected by their social class. Through characters, Katherine Mansfield has not only portrayed exploitation and manipulation of the lower social class/stratum but has also revealed role of ideology to maintain this status quo.