This essay focuses on symbols of female sexuality throughout the short story "Bliss", written by Katherine Mansfield. It focuses mostly on how the pear tree in the story serves to represent Bertha Young's sexuality.
Table of Contents
- The Pear Tree and Sexuality in Katherine Mansfield's “Bliss”
- The Pear Tree as a Symbol of Bertha’s Virginal Character
- The Pear Tree as a Symbol of Bertha's Awakening Sexuality
- The Pear Tree and Bertha's Sexual Repression
Objectives and Key Themes
This analysis explores the symbolism of the pear tree in Katherine Mansfield's short story "Bliss," arguing that it serves as a central representation of the main character, Bertha Young's sexuality. The analysis delves into how the tree symbolizes Bertha's virginal character, her awakening bisexuality, and her enduring sexual repression.
- Symbolism in Literature
- Sexuality and Gender Identity in Literature
- Katherine Mansfield's Writing Style and Themes
- The Role of Nature in Literature
- Social and Cultural Norms of the Early 20th Century
Chapter Summaries
The analysis begins by examining the pear tree as a representation of Bertha's virginal character. The text highlights Bertha's childlike behavior, her inadequate relationship with her daughter, and her disgust for a pregnant cat and its mate, all of which contribute to the interpretation of the pear tree as a symbol of purity and untouchedness.
The essay then shifts focus to the pear tree's representation of Bertha's awakening bisexuality. The pear tree's botanical qualities, possessing both male and female organs, are used to symbolize Bertha's attraction to Pearl Fulton. The text explores the significance of the moment Bertha and Pearl connect through their shared observation of the pear tree and the role of the moon as a symbol of femininity and Pearl's connection to it.
Finally, the analysis discusses the pear tree as a symbol of Bertha's ongoing sexual repression. The essay highlights Bertha's frustration with societal constraints that prevent her from expressing her desires and her inability to fully engage with her romantic partners. The final encounter with Pearl and the enduring presence of the pear tree reinforce Bertha's unresolved feelings and sexual repression.
Keywords
The analysis focuses on the following keywords: pear tree, symbolism, sexuality, bisexuality, virginal character, sexual repression, Katherine Mansfield, "Bliss," Bertha Young, Pearl Fulton, feminist literature, literary analysis.
- Quote paper
- Ariane Dijckmeester (Author), 2015, The Pear Tree and Sexuality in Katherine Mansfield’s “Bliss”, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/312265
