The characters of Boss and Woodifield demonstrate how people experience grief in different ways. At first glance, it may seem that the Boss is better at coping with the loss of his son, since he is a successful businessman and energetic and healthy person. At the same time, Woodifield rarely leaves the house, looks like an older man, and, apparently, has a low income. However, Boss’s emotional turmoil demonstrates that his problem is much deeper, and in the end, it can lead to unwanted consequences.
Woodifield accepted his son’s death, mourned him, and although he still misses him, he and his family have found peace of mind to move on. Although Woodifield is not wealthy, as evidenced by his outrage at the price of jam and admiration for whiskey, his family visits the grave of their deceased son and deal with reality (Mansfield 160-161). The Boss never accepted his son’s death; thus, his high social status and prosperity do not bring him peace of mind, and the mention of his son’s grave causes him shock and anxiety. The Boss shielded himself from grief and acceptance of his son’s death, so after six years, he experiences confusing emotions because he cannot cry.
This condition indicates extreme nervous tension, which can be the last straw for the Boss. The scene with the fly emphasizes this state as the author suggests a parallel between the fly and the Boss. The fly drowns in ink, but each time survives through effort and struggle, just as the Boss loads himself with work to avoid pain and grief (Mansfield 163). However, the last drop of ink kills the fly, just as an event can break the Boss.
Thus, while it may seem that the Boss coped better with his grief due to his successful business and appearance, his inner state is unstable. His community is thriving, unlike the Woodifield family, but the support of his wife and daughters makes Woodifield richer. At the same time, the fly symbolizes the Boss’s struggle against a reality without a son, which will ultimately defeat him.
Work Cited
Mansfield, Katherine. The Best Short Stories of Katherine Mansfield. Courier Corporation, 2012.