INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
literary magazine in 1921, the short story has been translated by Narges Entekhabi.Mansfield loves to make the title of her stories
literally perceivable of the theme
In this story, it is about the life of old Mr
Neave and his family members who are deemed perfect in the eyes of the outsiders.The story begins with an introduction of Mr
Neave, who is old, tired and reluctant, even for the spring this year
He is walking back home from the office.He is old and has lost his hold over his children and business
His son, Harold has not returned to work after going for lunch
Harold is very handsome and Mr
seem to forgive Harold for everything
This has allowed Harold to be irresponsible and careless.The daughters feel that Mr
Neave should not worry so much, and instead, retire and take up a hobby.Of course, the daughters have no idea about the practicalities of
They have no appreciation or gratitude towards their father for the hard work put in by him over all these preceding years.The girls were
not married, probably for they had such a great time in their own home that they did not feel the necessity to be married.When Mr
Neave arrives home, tired after the walk, the house is abuzz in preparation for a party
Neave feels detached, thinking that the lifestyle is too rich for him
He is not interested in joining the family for this gathering, but Charles, the servant, is assigned to look after and help Mr
Neave falls asleep and perhaps a bit too long
He is unable to connect himself with the rich lifestyle.Mr.Neave is withered, sidelined in his old age
capability and are convinced about Mr
Neave being at a disadvantage due to his old age.It is an ideal family where only old Mr
Neave seems to be a misfit
But the foundation of the ideal family is also dependent upon the luxuries in their lives that come from the revenue produced by the
Neave created.Mansfield wants us to look into family values, issues of the old and infirm in the family and the responsibilities of the
children after a certain age towards their family
