The Metamorphosis of Bertha in Katherine Mansfield’s Bliss Essay

The Metamorphosis of Bertha in Katherine Mansfields Bliss Katherine Mansfields Bliss is rather an interesting horizontal surface full of underlying meanings and themes. Upon a startle reading, it seems to be a simple story of a char who feels uncontain commensurate contentment mavin day, only to have it end when she discovers her hubby is having an affair. Although this is a correct interpretation, after(prenominal) a second reading, much more is apparent. Bliss is a story of the revelation of a vibrant young woman, of criticism of society, and of sexual revolution. In order to fully comprehend the work, we see that significance comes from small details. A tree is the major symbol in this piece, and the details assist in understanding why the pear tree is so important. The method of seeing details as they occur allows readers to relate new details to those in the past. A whole and complete picture can be obtained this dash with the details clearly laid ou t chronologically. The story opens by presenting the listening with Bertha Young, a thirty-year old woman who feels as if she is a child over again as she wanted to run instead of walk, to take dancing travel on and off the pavement, to bowl a hoop, to throw something up in the air and catch it again, or to stand still and laugh at--nothingat nothing, simply (143). As she moves down the street, a feeling of absolute bliss overcomes her. This is where the reader begins to believe that he/she will receive an account of this womans wonderful day and of something fabulous that happened to her. Quite the contrary is true, however. Bertha walks into her home, and the first negative images of the story are felt. Her dining room is described as dusky and quite chilly (143).... ...e fulfilled. Bertha is a woman who has no desire, and Mansfield feels humanity for her. Bertha is, however, evolving into a feeling, sexual person as she discovers her want to be with her hus band physically. The pear tree is the dominant symbol of this story. Although it shows Berthas sexuality, it also shows her resilience. She is able to weather storms and still be beautiful, as is the tree. At the end of the story, the tree is cast in the light of the moon. Since it has already been discussed that the moon symbolizes truth, the moon viewing on the pear tree that is still healthy, Bertha will be able to move on and survive. The tree shows that life will go on, as will Bertha, even though she has taken this devastating blow. Work CitedMansfield, Katherine. The inadequate Stories of Katherine Mansfield. New York A.A. Knopf, 1937.