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
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Mitty Walter, Dr Mitty, Gregory Fitzhurst, Commander Mitty, Walter Mitty, Walter Mitty's, James Thurber's, walter mitty, little boy, dreams reality, able understand, lack maturity,
Approximate Word count = 848
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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