Well, let us remember that the key divisive factor if we
examine the relationships between the Sheridans is Laura, who, in her youth and her
dismissive attitude towards class differences requests that the garden party be
cancelled because of the death of the workman who lives nearby. However, her request is
met by stony indifference by both her sister and her mother. The response of her mother
in particular is interesting to examine:
"You are being very absurd, Laura," she said
coldly. "People like that don't expect sacrifices from us. And it's not very sympathetic
to spoil everybody's enjoyment as you're doing
now."
Laura's lack of class
consciousness is leading her to fall into the fatal mistake of believing that everybody
is equal and should be treated as if they were equal. However, Laura's mother is able to
distract her daughter by the gift of a new hat, and Laura's vanity is sufficiently
flattered so that she forgets about the death of the workman and her moral scruples and
enjoys the party.
In response to the explanation that you
give of your question, however, I don't think there is any proof that the Sheridans are
belittled because of the united front they present. Laura's objections are quickly dealt
with and we are told that the party was actually a success. Note the comments that we
are given from the various guests:
"Never a more delightful garden party..." "The
greatest success..." "Quite the
most..."
Thus there appears
to be no evidence of the Sheridans being mocked because of their division or because of
their class.
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