Class Struggles and Social Inequality: A Marxist Reading of Katherine Mansfield’s The Doll’s House

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the intersection of class and society in Katherine Mansfield’s The Doll’s House using a qualitative approach steeped in Marxist literary theory. It investigates how the characters, and plot along with the setting form an interplay critiquing the class differences. The Doll’s House as a central symbol illustrates class discrimination in particular juxtaposed to the Kelveys’ makeshift clothing and paltry food that depict their poverty. In contrast, the Burnells can be viewed as the bourgeoisie.  Within Mansfield’s story lies a critique of the class structure as it exists in society, revealing the injustice that resides within it. Aunt Beryl and the teacher are perfect examples of how class prejudice is absorbed and borders are policed. The domineering control that the Burnells exercise with regard to The Doll’s House and the Kelveys’ exclusion from the house serves to illustrate how possessions transform into tools of subjugation. It is particularly Mansfield’s portrayal of the Kelveys that serves as the strongest commentary on the judgmental economic framework of society that robs people off their humanity and opportunities. Mansfield underscores inequality through class vivid imagery and descriptions. The nurturing assumption would suggest Lil Kelvey becoming a servant is true, indicating bias permeates society’s rigid hierarchies. The lunch break depicted is in contrast to the Burnells’ ostentatious meals while the Kelveys modest breastfeeding illustrates social exclusion and exclusionary economic disparity. All these factors underline Mansfield’s critique regarding socio class structures of her time and challenge the reader to think about the deep rooted social imbalance. Mansfield presents her critique on socio economic hierarchy through character’s plot and setting in relation to The Doll's House which becomes an exemplary case in point for class segregation representation. Her depiction of classism is critical as it serves as a reminder for people to recognize it’s enduring brutality even to this day. Mansfield’s narrative not only sheds lights towards the injustice of her time but marks an arrow towards the direction of the society wherein sociably balanced structure is established.