“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”

Concluding Notes

Satire

• Satire: a piece of writing that pokes fun at human failings of short comings

• Mitty’s shortcomings- his need for escapism

Themes

• Escapism: the tendency to retreat from unpleasant truths in everyday life into a world of daydreams and fantasy

• What other themes could you take from this story??

Hero and Antihero

• Hero: character who behaves bravely and does great deeds. Heroes are typically strong, resourceful, and self-sacrificing

Mitty’s fantasy• Antihero: central character who lack all the

qualities traditionally associated with heroes. Often they are timid, cowardly, and weak, but the reader sympathizes with the struggles they face.

Mitty’s real life

Conflict

• Man vs. Himself• Man vs. fantasy Mitty