Unveiling Mrs. Turner: Societal Judgment in Shields' Narrative

In Carol Shields' poignant short story, "Mrs. Turner Cutting the Grass," the central theme revolves around the profound idea of not hastily judging individuals based on appearances. This narrative delves into the life of the main character, Geraldine, who undergoes continuous scrutiny throughout her journey. Shields skillfully employs a third-person narration, offering a unique perspective that accentuates the societal conflict surrounding Mrs. Turner's life.

A Static Character Unveiled

As we traverse through the tapestry of Geraldine's life, Shields provides glimpses of her adolescence and presents a snapshot of her existence on a scorching June afternoon.

Astonishingly, Geraldine's character remains static, exhibiting stubbornness and obliviousness amid the evolving world around her. The third-person narrative style, referring to her as Mrs. Turner, Geraldine, or Girlie, enhances the conflict of man versus society within the storyline.

This unique narrative perspective is omniscient, allowing readers access to the viewpoints of other characters and their judgments of Mrs. Turner. Portrayed as impulsive and rebellious, she consistently finds herself entangled in unfavorable situations, opting to flee rather than confront her challenges head-on.

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The overarching conflict of man versus society becomes apparent as those around her pass negative judgments based on her actions and life choices.

Evaluative Perspectives: Society's Lens

The pervasive theme of judgment is palpable in various aspects of Geraldine's life. Her haphazard approach to lawn care, negligent use of weed killer, and even the depiction in the professor's poem, "The Golden Pavilion," highlight society's harsh evaluation of her. The poem serves as a contrasting mirror, with the American tourist, symbolized by Geraldine and her sisters, juxtaposed against the grandeur of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan.

The professor, through his verses, critiques Geraldine's ignorance and outward appearance, describing her as a "little pug of a woman." This stark comparison against the majestic beauty of the Golden Pavilion underscores the superficiality of her life, as perceived by society. Notably, the narrative provides limited insight into Geraldine's self-perception, leaving readers to ponder the complexity of her character.

The Unseen Struggles: Unraveling Geraldine's Reality

Curiously, the story offers minimal insights into Geraldine's own perspective of herself. Having dropped out of high school at sixteen and toiled at the Boissevain Dairy until nineteen, one might infer that her life was laden with challenges. The narrative hints at a life marked by difficulties, prompting readers to question the validity of societal judgments against the backdrop of Geraldine's undisclosed struggles.

Conclusion: Beyond Superficiality

In conclusion, Carol Shields masterfully weaves a narrative in "Mrs. Turner Cutting the Grass" that explores the theme of judgment and challenges readers to look beyond superficial impressions. The static nature of Geraldine's character, coupled with societal evaluations, paints a vivid picture of a woman caught in the crossfire of external perceptions. The narrative's intricate layers invite readers to ponder the complexities of human existence and question the validity of passing judgment without understanding the nuances of an individual's journey.

Written by Liam Williams

Updated: Jan 18, 2024

Keep in mind: this is only a sample!

Updated: Jan 18, 2024