Yes, this is the prominent theme. In case you need to
study the story further, you might consider what Thurber might be communicating through
this theme: what is he saying about those who daydream as well as the world they are
trying to escape through daydreaming? To understand this, you can look closely the
contrast between Walter Mitty in real life and the persona of his
daydreams.
1. What are the real Walter Mitty's character
traits? (does he have any noticeable virtues, or special skills?) How is he treated as a
consequence?
3. Now consider the
daydream-Mitty's virtues and skills. Note how
he is treated as a
consequence.
Everyone wants to escape reality to some
degree at some point of their lives. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" offers us an
extreme example--a man who seems unable to function in the world
without daydreaming. Is he a
sympathetic character? (Can we relate to him, or not?) Did
Thurber mean to portray Walter Mitty as the victim of a "feeble", possibly
emasculating modern society and over-aggressive wife? Or is he
unsympathetic--merely a
pitiful figure who deserves the mocking, harsh treatment he gets? A little of
both?
Your answer will help you determine what you think
the author is trying to convey with the escapism theme.
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