A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield

Question

In what way is Rosemary revealed to be a complex character in the story?

a. She appears to be self-centered in the store but later feels a desire to help Miss Smith
b. She wants to please Miss Smith but then grows angry at her
c. She wants an expensive box in the store and persuades her husband to let her have it
d. She has read many books and is quite wealthy

Answer 1

In "A Cup of Tea" by Katherine Mansfield, the complexity of Rosemary's character is best illustrated by option a. She appears to be self-centered in the store but later feels a desire to help Miss Smith.

Throughout the story, Rosemary initially comes across as somewhat self-absorbed and focused on her own desires, particularly when she is in the shop looking at luxury items. However, her encounter with Miss Smith brings out a different side of her character—one that shows compassion and a desire to assist someone in need. This internal conflict between her self-centeredness and her empathetic instincts adds depth to her character, making her more complex and multi-dimensional.