Mitty Daydream Worksheet
English Language Arts • Literary Analysis
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Opening Daydream Focus
Name: _________________________________
Date: __________________
Period: ______________
Critical Concept Toolkit: Character Types & Author's Purpose
Flat vs. Round
Flat: 1-2 dominant traits, predictable. Round: Multi-layered, contradictory traits.
Static vs. Dynamic
Static: Remains unchanged throughout. Dynamic: Undergoes significant internal shift.
Author's Purpose
Author's intent to entertain, satirize, or illuminate human vulnerability via purposeful contrast.
1
Close Reading: Thurber's Opening Sequence
"‘We’re going through!’ The Commander’s voice was like ice breaking over a frozen lake. In full uniform he walked through the pilot-house and groaned through the megaphone. ‘Rev her up to 8,500! We’re through the worst of it!’ ... The crew, bent over their stations in the huge, eight-engined Navy hydroplane, looked at each other and grinned. ‘The Old Man’ll get us through,’ they said to one another. ‘The Old Man ain’t afraid of Hell!’"
"‘Not so fast! You’re driving too fast!’ said Mrs. Mitty. ‘What are you driving so fast for?’ … Walter Mitty drove on toward Waterbury in silence, the roaring of the SN202 through the worst storm in forty years fading away. ‘You’re tensed up again,’ said Mrs. Mitty. ‘It’s one of your days. I wish you’d let Dr. Renshaw look you over.’"
— James Thurber, 1939
2
Character Diagnostic: Walter & Mrs. Mitty
Evaluate each character based on the opening passage. Select one option from each pair and provide textual evidence with analysis.
Walter Mitty Protagonist
Dimension: Flat Round
Development: Static Dynamic
Defense & Textual Evidence:
Mrs. Mitty Antagonist / Foil
Dimension: Flat Round
Development: Static Dynamic
Defense & Textual Evidence:
Unit: Short Fiction & Satire Page 1 of 2 • Turn Over
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty • Author's Craft & Purpose Analysis
Student: ____________________
3
Juxtaposition Matrix: Fantasy vs. Reality
Thurber achieves his satirical purpose through deliberate contrast. Extract specific sensory words and actions from the excerpt to show this jarring shift.
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Daydream: The Naval Hydroplane
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Reality: Driving to Waterbury
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| --- | --- |
| Commander's Tone & Action:
| Mrs. Mitty's Tone & Action:
|
| Atmosphere / Setting Details:
| Real-World Setting & Speed:
|
4
Author's Purpose & Critical Argument
A. Technique & Satire: Why does Thurber begin the narrative in media res (in the middle of action) with an exaggerated, clichéd military crisis before revealing Mitty is just driving an ordinary car? What is Thurber critiquing or illuminating about modern daily life?
B. The Characterization Paradox: Does Mitty's vivid imagination make him a dynamic character capable of psychological resistance, or does his inability to stand up to reality keep him strictly static? Formulate a clear thesis and support it with details from this opening scene.
Self-Check: Did you cite specific phrases from Thurber's text in both written answers?
Score: / 25 Page 2 of 2
