Search results
“Bliss” is an example of an unusually ambiguous story; Mansfield chose a point of view that by its nature must rely on the technical devices of context and implication to convey its meanings....
‘Bliss’, like much modernist fiction, is marked by its use of ambiguous symbolism: symbols whose meanings appear multifaceted and hard to pin down. And central to the story is the symbol of the pear-tree, which recurs at numerous points throughout ‘Bliss’.
“Bliss” reflects social attitudes towards homosexuality and towards women in early twentieth century Britain. In 1918, when “Bliss” was written, most women in Britain could not vote, although in 1918 a law was passed granting wealthy women over thirty the right to do so.
‘Bliss’ (which can be read here) calls to mind the phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’, and this is the question which lurks behind Mansfield’s story. Is it sometimes best to remain in the dark?
Jun 8, 2022 · The stories in Bliss share a number of common themes, exploring the nature of human personality and sexuality, alienation, loneliness, and malaise. The collection is characterized by a bitter sense of irony; a hard, clean style; and a Chekhovian psychological realism.
It discusses how the story is divided into three parts that describe the main character Bertha Young's emotional state and desire to freely express her joy without social restrictions. Key devices include metaphors, similes, and syntax that depict Bertha's suppressed feelings and longing to abandon social conventions.
People also ask
Why was 'Bliss' written?
What makes 'Bliss' a good story?
What are the main themes of Bliss?
What is the symbolism of 'Bliss'?
Why is Bliss a key text of modernism?
What does 'Bliss' mean?
See Full PDF. Download PDF. A BRIEF COMMENTARY ON KATHERINE MANSFIELD’S “BLISS” Andrew Rayment Chiba University, Japan (2019) This is an introductory commentary on some of the key features of Katherine Mansfield’s short story, “Blisss” (1920). It is aimed at undergraduate students studying Mansfield and / or Modernism.
