We have been learning how to deconstruct reading responses in English. This is my first piece I have done.

Author: Katherine Mansfield

Title: The Dolls House 

Text type: Short story 

In the short story “The Doll’s House”, the dolls house was seen to show the themes of social class, exclusion, and innocence. This story reveals how people often exclude those who seem different.  This is apparent in this such as high class people from lower class people, this is what our story is about. However Kezias acts of kindness towards the Kelveys challenge these social norms and show empathy across class lines are indeed possible, even if the society doesn’t accept it. 

As the story unfolds, we see that the Kelvey family is considered to be “lower class.” This is because their mother is a washerwoman, and their dad was theorized to be in prison. The doll’s house was a gift to the Burnell family, and is a symbol of their wealth and social status.  The Burnell children were very excited about it, but they also distanced themselves from others, especially the Kelveys, who are seen as “different” or “weird.” Showing how they exclude them because of their families lower status. 

This is very sad especially because the Kelveys children situation is not something they can control. They are being excluded because of their mum’s job and their fathers rumors within the community. In the story it says“the other children did not speak to the Kelveys, or if they did, they spoke in a way that made it clear they were not welcome.”  I feel deep sorrow for them because that has nothing to do with who they are, because people’s personalities aren’t always just their money.

In the real world, exclusion based on things like wealth, appearance or background happens all the time. People tend to make opinions about others based on what they heard without understanding their true character. This can have a negative effect on people, having them feel left out or and without support. I think in the real world there are things that we could work on/change. In our world we have exclusion that limits opportunities for people based on social class, race, or background. Including others not only strengthens communities by bringing together diverse perspectives but also helps people as an individual. 

In the text the person I think has power is Kezia, she is the  youngest Burnell sister, and is different from her siblings. She is more empathetic and has a vivid imagination from when she believed that the lamp in the dollhouse made it feel like a real home. . We can learn from her because Kezia sees things differently and tries to include the Kelveys in something that makes her happy. She wants to invite them to see the doll’s house, but her mother refuses, telling her it would be wrong. Kezia doesn’t agree with this, but she doesn’t fully understand why the Kelveys are seen as so different.

The story teaches us an important lesson: we should treat others with kindness, be inclusive, and try to understand them better. It reminds us to value people for who they are, not for their wealth or background. By being kind and humble, we can create a more welcoming world for everyone. The doll’s house in the story shows how people are treated differently because of their social status. It encourages us to reflect on how we treat others and how small acts of kindness and inclusion can change someone’s perspective. While not everyone may change, it’s important for us to always try to be better.

In my response to this text, I’ve looked at how the Burnell children’s treatment of the Kelveys shows how people are excluded because of things they can’t control, like their social class or background. For example, the Burnell children, especially Isabel, show that money and status decide who gets to belong. Kezia’s kindness toward the Kelveys shows that empathy is important, even if it’s not always accepted. By thinking about these examples in the story, we can learn to build more inclusive communities by questioning how we treat others.

One of my favorite moments in the story is when Kezia invites the Kelveys to see the doll’s house. This simple act of kindness stands out because it challenges the social norms that divide people. It shows how even one person’s gesture of inclusivity can make a difference towards a person. Kezia is the hero in this story because when the Kelveys are mocked at school by the other girls, Kezia feels bad for them. She decides to act on her own and invites them to see the doll’s house, even though she knows her mother would disapprove. Kezia’s act of kindness is a brave moment. She shows the Kelveys the doll’s house, even though her Aunt Beryl quickly comes to chase them away. It says that, “Aunt Beryl was furious. ‘What did you want to go and do that for?’” Kezia’s innocence and willingness to defy the social rules is a powerful moment, as it demonstrates her desire to be kind and inclusive, despite society’s expectations.

 I would recommend this story to other teenagers because it highlights the differences between privileged and less fortunate people. It also addresses the issue of exclusion, which is still a problem in today’s world. The story encourages readers to question their own behaviors and societal norms.

Growing up in Kawakawa, I’ve learned that wealth or poverty shouldn’t affect the friendships we have. Personally, my friendships have never been based on money or social status. They were just how they presented themselves towards me and how they greeted me. My friends love and support me, and their financial situation doesn’t define our relationship. This reminds me that, in the end, money can’t provide the things that true friends can offer, like support, loyalty, and love.

In conclusion, “The Doll’s House” reminds us how social class can create strong divides between people. Kezia’s simple acts of kindness towards the Kelveys show us how important it is to be empathetic and challenge the way society treats others. The story encourages us to break down the barriers caused by wealth and status and to be more inclusive and understanding. It asks us to think about how we treat people who are different from us and to promote kindness and acceptance in our communities.