The Garden Party by Mansfield begins with the Sheridan family having a garden party, or getting ready for one. The protagonist, Laura, is supposed to have taken care of getting the party set up and organized, but is having trouble with the workers. Her mother, a very dominerring woman, is constantly stepping on Laura's toes by jumping in and doing things contrary to the way that Laura would do them. Soon they learn tha ttheir neighbot (Mr. Scott) has died. The only remark that Laura's mother makes is that she hopes that it wasn't in the garden and that it will ruin the party. Laura is appalled at her mother's callousness toward the family, even if they were poor. After the party, which is a success, they go to take some leftovers to the Scott's home. When Laura sees the deceased lying in state at the home she is suddenly made aware of how shallow and vain her family really is.
