A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield is a short story that explores the themes of class consciousness, feminism, materialism, jealousy, and insecurity through the characters of Rosemary and Philip, a wealthy married couple, and Miss Smith, a poor young woman who begs for money on the street. The story is set in London in the early 20th century when social classes were rigidly defined and women’s rights were limited.
The story begins with Rosemary, who is bored and restless, going to an antique shop and falling in love with a little box that costs twenty-eight guineas. She decides to buy it, but before she can, she is approached by Miss Smith, who asks her for the price of a cup of tea. Rosemary is surprised and intrigued by this encounter, and impulsively invites Miss Smith to her home for an adventure. She treats Miss Smith as a curiosity and a toy, rather than a person, and ignores her hat and coat on the floor.
At home, Rosemary leaves Miss Smith in her bedroom to have tea, while she goes to tell her husband Philip about her guest. Philip is shocked and annoyed by Rosemary’s whim and asks to see Miss Smith. When he sees her, he tells Rosemary that she is very pretty, which makes Rosemary instantly jealous and insecure. She decides to get rid of Miss Smith as soon as possible and gives her some money and clothes. She also tells her to never come back.
After Miss Smith leaves, Rosemary tries to make herself more attractive by doing her hair, darkening her eyes, and putting on her pearls. She also asks Philip for the money to buy the little box that she wanted. She ends the story by asking Philip if he thinks she is pretty.
Mansfield uses various symbols in the story to highlight the themes and the characters’ personalities. The little box represents Rosemary’s materialism and desire for things that she does not need. The flowers that she buys impulsively show her extravagance and wastefulness. Her appearance reflects her insecurity and dependence on Philip’s approval. The contrast between the rain and the dark outside and the warmth and light inside shows the difference between the lives of the rich and the poor.
The story also shows how class consciousness affects the characters’ attitudes and actions. Rosemary does not see Miss Smith as an equal or a friend but as a novelty and a charity case. She does not care about her feelings or needs, but only about her own amusement. Philip does not want to associate with Miss Smith or anyone from a lower class, and he uses his remark about her prettiness to manipulate Rosemary and make her jealous. Miss Smith is portrayed as a victim of poverty and oppression, who has no choice but to accept Rosemary’s patronizing treatment.
The story also questions the meaning and extent of feminism in Rosemary’s society. Rosemary considers herself a modern and independent woman, who can do what she wants and help other women. However, her feminism is shallow and selfish, as she only cares about her own pleasure and status. She does not respect or empathize with Miss Smith, who represents the real struggles of women in a patriarchal society. She also depends on Philip for money and validation and lets him control her decisions.
The story reveals the flaws and limitations of the upper-class society that Rosemary and Philip belong to. They are rich, but they are not happy or satisfied. They are bored, restless, and insecure. They are superficial, materialistic, and snobbish. They are not capable of genuine love or compassion. They are trapped in their own world of illusions and prejudices.
The story suggests that money cannot buy happiness or fulfillment and that class differences create barriers and conflicts among people. It also suggests that feminism is not just a matter of having rights or privileges, but of having respect and solidarity for other women regardless of their social status or appearance.
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