Analysis of Thematic Coherence in Katherine Mansfield s Bliss
An Analysis of Thematic Coherence in Katherine Mansfield’s “Bliss” Bertha Young’s relationship with Little B in Katherine Mansfield’s “Bliss” is directly tied to the short story’s numerous themes, lending to its succinct thematic coherence. Mansfield utilizes the dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship to communicate the underlying themes of Bertha’s superficiality, naivety, childishness, ignorance, desire for social acceptance/normality, and facade-driven life. One of Mansfield’s cohering themes of superficiality was showcased in Bertha’s treatment of Little B. Mansfield portrays Bertha’s treatment of Little B as being relatively unfeeling and detached due to the way that Bertha views her daughter as a material object. ... ” ( Mansfield 137) Bertha’s attitude displays that little B is a mere possession, a mere doll for her entertainment and acquisition but not for her love. ... ”(Mansfield 136, 137) Bertha’s superficial perception of Little B is obvious being that she only thinks and speaks of Little B’s appearance. The theme of shallowness coheres to Bertha’s surface relationship with Harry. ... ” (Mansfield 138) Just as Bertha’s relationship with little B is a hollow facade of motherhood, her relationship with Harry is not loving and intimate, it is the hollow facade of marriage.