Respuesta :
The interaction, between Miss Meadows and the science mistress in Katherine Mansfields story "The Singing Lesson" has a tension and sarcasm. Miss Meadows, a music teacher finds herself in a mood after receiving a letter from her fiancé Basil ending their engagement. Despite her attempt to conceal her unhappiness the science mistress warmly greets her with a morning, my dear." Miss Meadows harbors animosity towards the science mistress perceiving her smile and comment about the weather as mockery. In response she coldly replies with a morning" before quickly walking away.
Miss Meadows behavior is heavily influenced by her state. Bitterness, anger and despair consume her due to Basils letter. She believes that her life is now shattered, forcing her to leave both her job and face humiliation. In addition to this turmoil she feels insecure about her age and appearance; convinced that Basil rejected her because she considers herself too old and ordinary. These negative emotions project onto everything around her—including the science mistress whom she views as both a rival and an enemy. Unfortunately Miss Meadows struggles to recognize or appreciate acts of kindness or sympathy extended by others, like Mary Beazley who offers a chrysanthemum.
She is also very strict and unkind, towards her students forcing them to sing an melancholic song. She shows no concern, for their emotions or educational growth treating them solely as a means to vent her unhappiness.
Miss Meadows behavior is heavily influenced by her state. Bitterness, anger and despair consume her due to Basils letter. She believes that her life is now shattered, forcing her to leave both her job and face humiliation. In addition to this turmoil she feels insecure about her age and appearance; convinced that Basil rejected her because she considers herself too old and ordinary. These negative emotions project onto everything around her—including the science mistress whom she views as both a rival and an enemy. Unfortunately Miss Meadows struggles to recognize or appreciate acts of kindness or sympathy extended by others, like Mary Beazley who offers a chrysanthemum.
She is also very strict and unkind, towards her students forcing them to sing an melancholic song. She shows no concern, for their emotions or educational growth treating them solely as a means to vent her unhappiness.
