Characterization of Walter Mitty
Katrina Holmes
Thesis
Walter Mitty's characterization is defined by the plot, setting, and his actions.
Claim 1
The first example is Walter Mitty's character is perceived as being powerless. Walter Mitty is not able to perform simple masculine tasks. Therfore, he feels powerless. "Since then Mrs. Mitty always made him drive to a garage to have the chains taken off."
Caim 2
Furthermore, the characterization of Walter Mitty is defined by the text structure as acting cowardly. Walter Mitty does not confront the people who anger and mistreat him. "'Leave her sit there,' said the attendant. ' I'll put her away.'" The parking attendant is rude to Mitty. However, Mitty only defends himself in his own mind.
Claim 3
In addition, the author's text structure defines Walter Mitty as having a passive personality. His passive personality causes him to act shy and afraid. This allows others to take advantage of him and make hime feel inferior. "'You were up to fifty-five,' she said. 'You know I don't like to go more than forty. You were up to fifty-five.'" Mrs. Mitty takes and advantage of Mitty by yelling at him for driving too fast, knowing he will not respond.
Conclusion
Overall, the characterization of Walter MItty is defined by the author's text structure.