The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Book Pdf
James Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a timeless short story that many of us may have read in our school days. It explores the life of Walter Mitty, a man who escapes from his mundane life by daydreaming about heroic exploits. The story is thought-provoking and has a profound impact on the reader, making it a classic among literature enthusiasts.
Overview of the Book
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a collection of short stories by James Thurber. It was first published in 1939 and has since become a classic piece of American literature. The book features a novella of the same name, which tells the story of Walter Mitty, a man who lives in his own world of fantasies to escape the monotony of his everyday life. The book also includes other short stories that explore the comic and tragic aspects of human nature.
The Plot of the Book
The novella begins with Walter Mitty accompanying his wife on a trip to town. Walter is a daydreamer who often zones out of reality to imagine himself as a hero. He imagines himself as a skilled surgeon, a deadly pilot, and a courtroom lawyer while completing mundane tasks like buying overshoes or waiting for his wife while she runs errands.
Throughout the story, Walter Mitty’s fantasies take center stage, and the line between his real life and imagination blurs. He saves a pilot that crashes his plane, stands trial for murder, becomes a distinguished surgeon, and even commands a navy hydroplane in a storm. However, each of his heroic fantasies is met with a rude awakening, bringing Walter back to his mundane life.
Analysis of the Book
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a thought-provoking story that explores the dichotomy between imagination and reality. Walter Mitty’s character represents the universal human desire to escape from everyday monotony and lead a more exciting life. However, as the story progresses, we see that Walter’s fantasies are only a fleeting escape from reality, and his dissatisfaction with his life remains unchanged.
The story also touches on the themes of masculinity and heroism. Walter Mitty’s hero fantasies are often associated with traditional notions of masculinity, like commanding a navy hydroplane or being a courtroom lawyer. These fantasies stem from the societal pressure on men to be strong and successful, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with real-life.
Where to Find The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Book Pdf
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a public domain book, which means that it is available for free online. You can easily find The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Book Pdf on various websites like Project Gutenberg, Amazon, and Goodreads. If you prefer a physical copy of the book, you can purchase it from any major book retailer.
Final Thoughts
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a classic piece of American literature that explores the universal human desire to escape from mundane life. It is a thought-provoking and poignant story that remains relevant to this day. The book is a must-read for literature enthusiasts and anyone who wants to explore the complexities of the human psyche.