The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Frank Pizzuta
Thesis
Walter Mitty's characterization is defined throughout the stories text structure as a very unique individual.
Claim One
The first way the text structure defines him, are his day dreams. They show the reader how in the real world, Mitty is a very imaginative and hopeful person. Additionally, his thoughts show how he desperately seeks for respect and recognition from those around him, but it only exists within his mind.
Claim Two
Secondly, Mitty also victimized by the people around him. One such person is his wife, who openly yells at him and generally pushes him down; such as, when they were in the car and she yelled at him for having one of "his days". Also, the Parking Garage Attendant puts Mitty down by yelling at him for not being able to correctly park his car.
Claim Three
Finally, Mitty has an extreme lack of self-confidence, but is too shy to say anything to change it. For example, he day dreams about being an amazing, everyone loves him, person, but in reality he quietly allows people to walk all over him verses saying anything. Secondly, he wanders about the city acting like himself, but shy's away from people as they mock him for his actions and tendencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walter Mitty's characterization becomes evident through the text structure as a shy, imaginative man, who is victimized and pushed around by those around him.