Teen Readers
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Audio Version
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Text Version
About the Author
James Thurber (1894-1961) was an American humorist, cartoonist, author, journalist, and playwright. He was born to Charles Thurber, a civil clerk whose career moved the family often, and Mary Thurber, whose wit and humor inspired her son from an early age. Thurber lost his left eye at age six in a bow and arrow incident with his brother while playing a game. He gradually lost the sight in his right eye to sympathetic ophthalmia. Thurber attended Ohio State University where he wrote for the college paper. After graduation he worked as a reporter, writer and columnist for American newspapers, gradually relying more on a magnifier called a Zeiss loupe to see his drawings and a transcriber to write down his articles and stories. He is remembered most for his cartoons and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” which has been adapted into a film twice. Thurber died from complications of pneumonia at age 67.
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is about a man who leads a rich, adventurous, daring life-in his daydreams. In the real world he is very different. He struggles to remain connected enough in the real world to function because it pales in comparison to his fantasy.
Questions for “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
How does Walter’s character differ between his daydreams and real life?
What is secret about Walter’s life?
Is Walter Mitty sane? Do you find Walter funny or tragic?
What makes Walter dissatisfied with life? Are his daydreams an effective way to deal with his dissatisfaction?
What does Walter really want from life? Is he likely to get what he wants?
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