What do You think about The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (1939)?
Read for American Lit classThis story started a full out war in class this week. One of my classmates said he did not think Mitty was depressed but just daydreamed like any average Joe. The class tore him to shreds and told him this story was about abuse and depression and on and on and on. I can see the sad side of this story, but at the same time I can see the tendency that we all have to let our minds wander while going through our every day tasks. I mean, don't tell me you have never daydreamed while you are watching the Olympics that you are on the team, or some other silly momentary escape from reality. And for me, I only daydream when I am happy. When I am stressed or unhappy about something it consumes my mind and there is no way my imagination is going to take me anywhere worth being because I am too fixated on whatever real life problem I am facing. But...when I am happy, my mind is free to roam. So read this one any way you want to, but remember that no two readers ever read the same story because we all bring our own baggage to the table so even if someone totally disagrees with you or even with the author, they are not wrong in their interpretation because that is what the story said to them.
—Twoeyedox
I listened to the free Audible download of this narrated by Ben Stiller, that also includes an interview with him about playing Walter on the big screen.The story itself is very short but gives a good insight into Walter's character. Being a daydreamer myself, I can confirm that escaping to your imagination where anything is possible and you are capable of anything, is awesome. Ben thinks Walter is lonely, which is why he daydreams and I tend to agree, but I also think he uses it to cope with his dominating wife and his mundane life. He comes across as a character that has sadly not had a chance to shine in real life. I'm looking forward to seeing the film.
—yvalmond01
Need to watch the movie now!
—Lain
