Question

Why does Kezia break her family's rule and invite the Kelvey girls to see the doll's house? in the book, the doll house by katherine mansfield

Answer 1

In Katherine Mansfield's short story "The Doll's House," Kezia Bingham breaks her family's rule and invites the Kelvey girls to see the doll's house because of her innate sense of kindness and empathy. Unlike her parents, who uphold social class distinctions and look down upon the Kelveys, Kezia feels that they should not be excluded simply because they come from a lower socioeconomic background.

The doll's house represents both a physical and symbolic element of wealth and privilege in the story. When Kezia receives it, she becomes aware of its beauty and wants to share it with others. Her invitation to the Kelveys arises from a desire to include them in something she cherishes and to show compassion, contrasting with the elitist attitudes displayed by her family.

Kezia's action also highlights her innocence and the character's rebellion against the societal norms imposed by her upbringing. In this moment, she instinctively recognizes that friendships and connections should not be dictated by social class, showcasing her youthful idealism and rejection of the prejudices that surround her.