Themes: Gender Roles
Walter's failures in real life and his successes in dreams are deeply connected to gender roles. In his everyday experiences, he is often ridiculed by women, such as the one who overhears him muttering "puppy biscuit" on the street, and his nagging wife. Among women, Walter is submissive and mocked. Among men, he struggles to live up to traditional masculine standards. He feels humiliated by his lack of mechanical skills; when he tries to remove the tire chains, he ends up tangling them around the axles and requires a tow truck. The mechanic who comes to assist is described as "young" and "grinning," suggesting that the younger, more confident man is amused by Walter's ignorance about cars, leaving Walter feeling emasculated. Walter decides that the next time he takes the car to the garage to have the chains removed, he will conceal his embarrassment by wearing a sling on his right arm.
Walter compensates for his inability to meet conventional masculine expectations through his daydreams. Each fantasy centers around acts of traditional male prowess, many of which involve violence. In these imagined scenarios, he can hit a target from three hundred feet away with his left hand, fix complex machinery using just a fountain pen, and march bravely into battle. Thurber's exploration of gender roles in modern America can be understood in various ways. He might be suggesting that men have become weak and ineffective while women have grown too assertive. Alternatively, Thurber could be emphasizing the lack of opportunities for men to engage in meaningful, heroic acts in contemporary, suburban, middle-class America.
Expert Q&A
What are Mrs. Mitty's feelings towards her husband in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"?
Mrs. Mitty's feelings towards her husband in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" are characterized by a lack of respect and a patronizing attitude. She treats him like a child, dominating his actions and dismissing his thoughts. Her trivial concerns overshadow his inner struggles, as she fails to engage with his psychological distress. Her behavior suggests she views him as incapable of independence, reflecting a distant and unempathetic relationship.
How are stereotypes portrayed in Walter Mitty's dreams?
Stereotypes in Walter Mitty's dreams depict him as a confident hero, contrasting with his mundane reality. In these fantasies, he assumes roles like a gallant naval officer, a resourceful surgeon, and an elite soldier, all characterized by exaggerated competence and bravery. These daydreams are filled with clichéd depictions of heroic masculinity, allowing Mitty to escape his dull, complicated life by imagining himself in simple, idealized scenarios where he is the quintessential hero.
What best describes the relationship between Walter and his wife?
The relationship between Walter and his wife is characterized by a lack of emotional connection and routine, leading Walter to escape into daydreams. They seem to "agree to disagree," maintaining their marriage despite irritations, but without genuine positivity. Walter feels henpecked, while Mrs. Mitty sees herself as long-suffering, each viewing the other negatively. Overall, their relationship is depicted as distant and unfulfilling, with both partners feeling dissatisfied.
Will changing gender roles in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty make stock characters obsolete?
What is the external conflict between Mr. Walter Mitty and Mrs. Mitty?
The external conflict between Mr. Walter Mitty and Mrs. Mitty arises from her domineering nature and his timidity. Mrs. Mitty's controlling behavior leads Mitty to escape into daydreams, where he imagines himself as a hero, contrasting his passive real-life demeanor. This unresolved conflict persists as Mitty regularly retreats into his fantasies, while Mrs. Mitty continues to scold him for his inattention to reality.
What are some examples of Mitty being told what to do in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"?
Walter Mitty is frequently told what to do by others, especially his wife, who nags him about driving too fast, buying overshoes, and wearing gloves. She also orders him to get the car serviced. Mitty complies with these demands. A traffic cop tells him to "pick it up," and a parking attendant directs him to back up and eventually parks the car for him. Mitty's wife further humiliates him by suggesting she will take his temperature like a child.
The relationship dynamics and character stereotypes of Mr. and Mrs. Mitty in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."
In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," the relationship dynamics between Mr. and Mrs. Mitty reflect traditional gender roles, with Mrs. Mitty being domineering and critical, while Mr. Mitty is passive and submissive. Mrs. Mitty's constant nagging and control highlight the stereotype of a nagging wife, whereas Mr. Mitty's escapist daydreams underscore his dissatisfaction and the stereotype of a henpecked husband.
Mrs. Mitty's personality and its impact on Walter's final daydream and real-life fate
Mrs. Mitty's domineering and controlling personality exacerbates Walter's feelings of inadequacy and fuels his escapist daydreams. Her constant nagging and belittling lead Walter to retreat further into his fantasies, culminating in his final daydream where he faces a firing squad, symbolizing his resignation to a life devoid of real fulfillment and autonomy.
The significance of female characters in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," female characters, particularly Mrs. Mitty, play a significant role by highlighting Walter's mundane and controlled life. Mrs. Mitty's domineering nature contrasts sharply with Walter's adventurous daydreams, underscoring his desire to escape his reality. This dynamic emphasizes the theme of escapism and the contrast between fantasy and reality.
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