'A Cup of Tea' is a modernist style short story written by Katherine Mansfield in 1922.

Rosemary, the protagonist, is caught up in a fantasy of helping others, but it doesn't go as

planned.

Katherine Mansfield
You might be wondering how such a simple item as a cup of tea could give rise to an entire
narrative. Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923), who was born in New Zealand but lived most of
her working life as a writer in London, was an expert at writing this kind of short story. She
would craft a narrative surrounding an item or event that at first seems so inconsequential but
ultimately reveals serious and introspective themes beneath the surface of the story. Let's bite
into a simple slice of life as we review ''A Cup of Tea.''

Summary of the Story

A Cup of Tea is set in 1920s London. Rosemary Fell, the protagonist, is wealthy young matron.
We meet her while she is on a shopping trip in town. In an antique shop, she examines an
expensive jewelry box that she would love to own. Yet, after inquiring about the price, she
decides against the purchase - at least for that day.
Without the longed-for purchase, Rosemary returns to the street, where she is approached by a
poor, raggedy looking young woman about her own age. The young woman asks for the price of
a cup of tea and says she has no money, which Rosemary finds unimaginable.
Suddenly, inspired by the tales of Dostoevsky that she has recently read, Rosemary experiences a
charitable inspiration and takes the girl home. Of course, the reader questions (as Mansfield
intended) the true sincerity of Rosemary's impulse. We all believe in helping the less fortunate;
however, this wealthy young woman seems more taken with her own fantasy of philanthropy
than any real desire to help. At any rate, the young Miss Smith does go home with Rosemary and
is given an abundant tea with all the trimmings.
While they're having tea, Mr. Fell (Phillip) comes into the bedroom and finds this unexpected
guest. He takes Rosemary into another room, where he first expresses disapproval of what his
wife has done and then speaks appreciatively about their poor visitor's beauty.
Once back with her charitable case, Rosemary now feels odd and without direction. What should
she do? Ultimately, she gives Miss Smith some cash and sends her on her way. Anxious about
her own appearance, Rosemary takes great care in dressing for dinner and seeks reassurance of
her charms from Phillip.
"A Cup of Tea" is a 1922 short story by Katherine Mansfield. It was first published in the Story-
Teller in May 1922. It later appeared in The Doves' Nest and Other Stories(1923).[1] Her short
stories first appeared in Melbourne in 1907,but literary fame came to her in London after the
publication of a collection of short stories called "In a German Pension."

Plot summary
Rosemary Fell, a wealthy young married woman, goes to Curzon Street to shop at a florist's and
in an antique shop (in which she admires, but does not buy, a beautifully painted small ceramic
box). Before going to the car, Rosemary is approached by Miss Smith, a poor girl who asks for
enough money to buy tea. Instead, Rosemary drives the girl to her plush house, determined to
show her "that dreams do come true" and "that rich people did have hearts." At the Fells' home,
Miss Smith eats her fill of food and tea. She then begins to tell Rosemary of her life until
Rosemary's husband, Philip, comes in. Although initially surprised, Philip recovers and asks to
speak to Rosemary alone.
In the library, Philip conveys his disapproval. When Rosemary resists dismissing Miss Smith,
Philip tries another, more successful, tactic: He plays to Rosemary's jealousy and insecurity by
telling her how pretty he thinks Miss Smith is. Rosemary retrieves three five-pound notes and,
presumably, sends the girl away (a far cry from Rosemary's first vow to "look after" and "be
frightfully nice to" Miss Smith). Later, Rosemary goes to her husband and informs him that
"Miss Smith won't dine with us tonight." She first asks about the antique box from the morning,
but then arrives at her true concern, quietly asking Philip, "Am I pretty?" The story ends with
this question.
In A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield we have the theme of jealousy, insecurity, materialism
and class. Taken from her The Doves’ Nest and Other Stories collection the story is narrated in
the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realises that
Mansfield may be exploring the theme of class or rather the differences between social classes.
By telling the reader that ‘they were rich, really rich, not just comfortably well off’ Mansfield
succeeds in not only highlighting to the reader how wealthy Rosemary and Philip are but more
importantly she manages to highlight how different Rosemary is from others. Something that is a
little clearer when Mansfield also tells the reader ‘if Rosemary wanted to shop she would go to
Paris as you and I would go to Bond Street.’ Though it may appear to be insignificant the fact
that Rosemary has a car may also be important as by introducing the car into the story it is
possible that Mansfield is further highlighting the class difference that exists between Rosemary
and those around her. At the time the story was written only the very wealthy (mostly upper
class) would have had the resources to buy a car.
The fact that Rosemary is surprised when Miss Smith first speaks to her also suggests that
Rosemary may be different to others. It would have been uncommon (at the time the story was
written) for those considered to be of a lower class (Miss Smith) to engage with those considered
to be upper class (Rosemary). It is also interesting that Rosemary thinks it is ‘extraordinary’ that
Miss Smith has no money. This would again suggest that Rosemary is different from other
people. She can’t imagine that somebody would have no money. By describing Miss Smith as
the ‘other’ when Rosemary leads Miss Smith into the hall of her home and Rosemary as being
like ‘the rich little girl in her nursery’ Mansfield may be further highlighting the difference in
class between both Miss Smith and Rosemary.
It is also interesting that Rosemary, while Miss Smith is in her bedroom having tea, leaves Miss
Smith’s hat and coat on the floor. By doing so Mansfield may be suggesting that in Rosemary’s
eyes, Miss Smith is not her equal. This would further highlight the difference in class (in
Rosemary’s eyes) between Miss Smith and Rosemary. The reader also doubts that Rosemary
would take the same course of action (leave a hat and coat on the floor) should one of her upper
class friends visit her home. At no stage in the story does the reader feel that Rosemary, by
taking Miss Smith home with her, is doing so for the benefit of Miss Smith rather it serves to
boost Rosemary’s perception of herself. She does after all consider the taking of Miss Smith
home with her to be an adventure, something she will be able to boast about to her friends.
There is also some symbolism in the story which may be important. The little box that Rosemary
sees in the antique shop, by telling the reader that Rosemary ‘must have it’, Mansfield may be
highlighting the importance of material things to Rosemary. Mansfield also appears to be using
the setting, after Rosemary leaves the antique shop, to highlight Rosemary’s mood after she is
unable to buy the little box. Mansfield tells the reader that the ‘rain was falling, and with the rain
it seemed the dark came too, spinning down like ashes. There was a cold bitter taste in the air,
and the new-lighted lamps looked sad.’ In many ways this setting mirrors how Rosemary may
feel about having to leave the shop without purchasing the little box. The flowers that Rosemary
buys may also have some symbolic importance. By telling the reader that Rosemary wanted
‘those and those and those. Give me four bunches of those,’ Mansfield may be further
highlighting how different Rosemary is from other people (due to her wealth) and how
extravagant she is. Rather than just purchasing one bunch of flowers, as most people would and
could only afford to do, Rosemary ends up with several.
Rosemary’s change of attitude towards Miss Smith after Philip tells her that he thinks Miss
Smith is pretty is also interesting. It is from Philip’s remark that the reader realises not only is
Rosemary jealous of Miss Smith (because she is pretty) but she also appears to be insecure about
her own physical appearance. It may also be a case that Philip is attempting to manipulate or
control Rosemary, just as she has Miss Smith. By telling Rosemary that Miss Smith is pretty
Philip is aware that it will result in Rosemary not only feeling jealous but it will also ensure that
Miss Smith leaves their home, just as Philip wants her to. If anything Philip appears to want to
disassociate himself (and Rosemary) from Miss Smith. Which would again play on the theme of
class. Philip does not want to associate himself with those (Miss Smith) he considers to be of a
lower class.
How insecure Rosemary may feel about her physical appearance is further noticeable by the fact
that after Miss Smith leaves Rosemary’s home, Mansfield tells the reader that Rosemary ‘done
her hair, darkened her eyes a little and put on her pearls.’ This action is important as it suggests
that Rosemary is attempting to make herself pretty, at least in Philips eyes. The fact
that Rosemary asks Philip for the money to buy the little box may also be significant as it would
again highlight the importance of material things to Rosemary. Also by ending the story with
Rosemary asking Philip ‘am I pretty?’ Mansfield may be further highlighting how insecure
Rosemary feels about her physical appearance. Despite being wealthy and living a life that the
majority of people at the time the story was written were unable to live, Rosemary is insecure.
A Cup of Tea Introduction:
This 1922 story “a cup of tea” is written by Katherine Mansfield which holds class
consciousness and materialism as its pivot point. Stunningly well characterized and
magnificently portrayed against its plain title, this story, remarkably presents a crystal clear
image of class distinction and ones mad fondness towards materialism. It’s just the same as “the
doll’s house” and “the garden party” as a matter of fact that these stories also reflect upon the
same issue of class distinction. Mansfield also tried to reflect upon the noble act of philanthropy
and how people fancy this act to be the cause of ascension for their moral values among their
social circle.
Background:
This story was written on 11th of January back in the early 1922, which was first published in
the famous “Story-Teller” magazine and later appeared in Mansfield’s short story collection
“The Dove’s Nest”. The story associates with the deplorable conditions of New Zealand at the
time when it used to be a British Colony. The trends of class distinction were at its peak, a
noticeable issue which needed to be brought forward influenced Mansfield to pen it down.

A Cup of Tea Summary:

Rosemary Fell, a very rich and well off woman, who has been married for two years to a very
rich and devoted man Mr. Philips Fell, spends her day out shopping at some west corners of
London in the finest of shops. She visits an ingratiating antique dealer’s shop that shows her a
beautiful small blue velvet box. Rosemary is taken by the beauty of the creamy piece of art but
decides not to buy it and asks the shopkeeper to save it for her.
Out she comes from the shop into the rain and as she reaches towards the car a girl approaches
her asking her to pay for the price of a cup of tea. Astonished, Rosemary asks the girl to come
home with her for tea, finding it an opportunity of adventure and experience, just like she read in
books and stories of Dostoevsky. She wanted to show the girl that rich people do posses mercy.
The girl agrees apart from her great fears to ride with Rosemary in her car.
As they reach the house, Rosemary takes the poor girl to her room and asks her to sit by the fire.
She helps her take off her coat and hat and tries to sooth her. As she tries to proceed further, the
girl cries out that she can’t stand it anymore fearing that she will faint out of hunger. Rosemary
hurriedly orders tea.

The girl is provided with tea and sandwiches while Rosemary lights a cigarette. Keen to know
the story of the girl, Rosemary starts up a conversation with her which is unintentionally
interrupted by her husband. He is surprised to see the stranger in the room and asks his wife to
talk to him privately.

As they enter the library, Philips begins to inquire about the matter. To this Rosemary replies that
she is just helping the poor lady whom she picked p from the street. Her husband tries to tell her
that she can’t have a stranger in the house. Facing a refusal Philips points out that the lady is
remarkably pretty giving a rise to insecurities of Rosemary.

Rosemary leaves the library and enters the study room from where she picks up some cash. She
returns to her room and hands over the money to the poor girl making her leave the house.

After the girl leaves the house Rosemary joins Philips back in the library and asks him if she
could buy the velvet box which wasn’t what she wished to ask. After a pause, she whispers, “Am
I pretty?”

 Rising action can be observed when Rosemary decides to take the poor girl home with
her.
  Story reaches its climax when they reach home and the girl is served with tea and then
both the ladies are interrupted by the arrival of Philips.
 Falling action takes place s rosemary walks to the library with Philips.
 There is a twist in the plot at the time of Philips confession about the beauty of Miss
Smith resulting in the change of Rosemary’s attitude towards the girl.
 The story ends with a doubtful question raised by Rosemary regarding her beauty.
A Cup of Tea Themes:
The main theme of the story is class distinction and materialism. This story pictures the
differential behaviour of the upper class towards the lower class through the character of
Rosemary. Her attitude and behavior gives quite a clear image of the mentality possessed by
discriminating elites. Materialism is rigidly followed by the upper class. The more they have, the
more they want and they don’t want anything ordinary, they want the best of all, the
extraordinary, unaffordable by the commons. Their want for more never dies. The velvet box in
the story symbolizes materialism while the cup of tea symbolizes the equal needs and
requirements of the rich and the poor.

A Cup of Tea Characters:

This story is comprised of these few prominent characters.

ROSEMARY FELL:
A socially poised, rich married woman with a devoted and loving husband, who has a great
lifestyle. She is well-dressed and well off with all the luxuries she desires for. Her interest is
mainly of reading books, always indulged and above all greatly inspired by the characters and
their adventurous lives which she comes across in the stories. Her inspirational interest can be
judged from the decision she takes when she interacts with a poor soul called Miss Smith by
taking her home with a mere thought of it being an adventure for her recalling the stories of
Dostoevsky. Apart from this possession and insecurity can be sensed in her character.

PHILIPS FELL:
Husband of Rosemary, is in fact one of the richest persons of his society. He loves his wife
devotedly and cares for her a lot. He calls Miss Smith pretty much to his wife’s chagrin, just to
make her send Miss Smith away as she refuses to do so when he asks her in the first place even
though making his wife feel insecure about herself and her beauty.

MISS SMITH:
She is a lean and thin poor girl of just the age of Rosemary. She can’t even afford a single cup of
tea and comes to ask Rosemary to pay her the price of a cup of tea. She is an odd person,
frightened and confused. She is shocked when Rosemary asks her to have a cup of tea with her at
her home. In Mr. Philips’ point of view Miss Smith is very attractive and pretty.
THE SHOPKEEPER:
The owner of a very beautiful antique ornaments shop which in fact was one of Rosemary’s
favorite shops. He would always be looking forward to have Rosemary at his shop and always
saving a lovely piece of art for her only just like he had been saving the eye catching blue velvet
box.

A Cup of Tea Analysis:

TITTLE OF THE STORY:

The plain and ordinary title of the story has the tendency to gravitate readers towards it, as one
can wonder what a title so simple can hold inside it. The charm of the story exceeds the
imagination of the reader as one comes across the contents of the story, finely sketched against
the plain title of the story.
The title of the story is relatable to the story at the point when a poor girl from the story asks a
rich woman to pay her the price of a cup of tea.

SETTING OF THE STORY:

The story setting takes place in the early 1900’s back in Britain. The story begins with the
shopping scenario of Rosemary stopping at florist’s shop and afterwards visiting the antique
ornament shop till darkness strikes. It’s where she meets poor Miss Smith outside the shop.

LITERARY SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STORY:

The story is mainly written in the modernist mode without a set structure. Many shifts and
changes in the narratives can be observed.

 NARRATIVE VOICE:
The literary quality drives in from the skillful manner in which the authoress has created a fluid
narrative voice which combines finely by engaging with her subject.

 NARRATIVE MODE:
The story takes a start in the third person narrative with many observable shifts afterwards,
establishing a conversational style.