A Point of View Analysis of James Thurber

A detailed Summary of A Point of View Analysis of James Thurber

In James Thurber's short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," we encounter a

man who constantly daydreams. Since the story is told in a third-person narration, the

readers have a distinct perspective and a better understanding of the character's

personality and thought process. With access to the protagonist's mind, the readers are

able to understand and relate the significance of his dreams to his reality.

Mitty's dreams of being a highly regarded individual are contrast to his real life.

The contradiction lays in the incompetence and lack of knowledge he truly possesses. As

Dr. Mitty, he accomplishes " a brilliant performance " by writing a book on

"streptothricocis" (819), a term which does not exist. The readers can come to two

conclusions. The first being Mitty is not a highly educated man. He invents a word that

sounds intelligent and complex in order to realize his fantasy. The second possibility

involves Mitty imagining strpothricocis as some sort of new and rare disease. In this case

Mitty would not be satisfied with being a simple doctor. Wanting to lead the way, he

sees himself as a pioneer, as though he were the first physician who created breakthrough

sling"(820) the next time his vehicle needs to be fixed. He would rather fabricate excuses

realize he is obliged to plunge into new fantasies in order to keep despair, age and

Aside from not having much brainpower, his manual skills are as deplorable. He

readers that Mitty desires to be someone who possesses great abilities.

Approximate Word count = 848
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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