In both "Kew Gardens" by Virginia Woolf and "A Cup of Tea" by Katherine Mansfield, nature serves as a backdrop that reflects and influences human emotions and interactions. In "Kew Gardens," Woolf intricately describes the garden's flora, emphasizing how the characters are enveloped by the beauty of their surroundings, suggesting a deep connection to nature that evokes introspection and fleeting moments of connection. For instance, the vibrant imagery of the flowers mirrors the characters' inner lives and their transient experiences. Conversely, in "A Cup of Tea," Mansfield juxtaposes the domestic realm with a moment of nature when the protagonist encounters a poor woman on the street, highlighting the stark contrast between societal privilege and the instinctive empathy that nature can evoke. The moment of taking pity demonstrates how direct encounters with the natural world and its inhabitants stir the moral conscience of individuals, affirming humanity's complex relationship with the environment. Together, these stories illustrate how nature not only enriches personal reflection but also compels social awareness and interaction.
Kew Gardens
by Virginia Wolff
A Cup of Tea
by Katherine Mansfield
Use the passages to answer the question. Select Passage 1 and Passage 2.
Based on your reading, evaluate how the two short stories support the theme of humanity’s relationship with nature. In your response, access and evaluate text evidence to support this theme. Provide at least 2 examples of evidence. Use 3-5 sentences.
1 answer