Fly, The
by Katherine Mansfield | Grades 9-12
"The Fly" by Katherine Mansfield is a short story that explores themes of grief, loss, and the passage of time. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the narrative centers around an aging businessman who, while trying to cope with the death of his son, becomes fixated on a fly struggling to escape from an inkpot. The simple act of saving and then tormenting the fly serves as a powerful metaphor for the man's own internal battles and the futility of life. Mansfield's concise and evocative prose captures the depths of human emotion, making "The Fly" a timeless reflection on the human condition.