The Metamorphosis of Bertha in Katherine Mansfield’s Bliss Essay

The Metamorphosis of Bertha in Katherine Mansfields Bliss Katherine Mansfields Bliss is quite an interesting story blanket(a) of underlying meanings and themes. Upon a first reading, it seems to be a simple story of a adult female who feels uncontainable bliss one day, only to have it end when she discovers her husband is having an affair. Although this is a correct interpretation, after a second reading, much more is apparent. Bliss is a story of the revelation of a vibrant young woman, of reproval 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 countenance 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 way with the details clearly laid out chronologically. The story ope ns by presenting the audience with Bertha Young, a thirty-year old woman who feels as if she is a child again as she wanted to run instead of walk, to take dancing steps on and finish up 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 fling off the street, a feeling of absolute bliss overcomes her. This is where the reader begins to believe that he/she get out receive an account of this womans wonderful day and of something mythologic 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 sympathy for her. Bertha is, however, evolving into a feeling, sexual person as she discovers her want to be with her husband physically. The pear tree is the dominant symbol of this story. Although it shows Berthas sexuality, it to a fault 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 covering 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 Short Stories of Katherine Mansfield. New York A.A. Knopf, 1937.