When I entered my Modern British Literature course with Dr. Hipsky, I was expecting to read works that were written with the express purpose of being different for the sake of being different. After all, the “Modernism” era had a good bit to do with breaking away from traditionally accepted styles.
Char read a collection of Mansfield’s stories for Dr. Hipsky’s “Modern British Literature” course.
To my pleasant surprise, we began the class reading a book of short stories by Katherine Mansfield. While her style is different, it is not contrived and has the ability to subtly hint between the lines at what is happening. In other words, she doesn’t drone on in meaningless detail, but instead writes with a purpose.
Mansfield has the ability to capture the “human experience” in her writings; whoever reads her stories can connect to them. She’s also concise–Mansfield creates dynamic characters without the excessive use of words. She’s able to portray a character’s feelings by a simple “…”.
If you haven’t read her work, I highly recommend it. If you’re like me, it’ll completely transform your perspective on Modernism.
Char Gross ’20 is an Art History and English double major who reads way too much for her own good. When not reading, she can be found hanging out and laughing uncontrollably with her friends and fellow Delta Zeta sisters.
I’ll add it to my good reads “want to read” list, Char! Thanks for the recommendation! -Elise