The story “The Little Girl” by Katherine Mansfield beautifully explores the delicate relationship between a young girl named Kezia and her father. The narrative sheds light on how children often perceive their parents, especially when the parents appear strict or unapproachable. One of the most striking aspects of Kezia’s behavior in the story is her tendency to stutter whenever she talks to her father.
But why did Kezia stutter? Was it a sign of fear, lack of confidence, or something deeper? Let’s explore the reasons behind Kezia’s stammering and how it reflects the broader themes of the story.
1. Fear of Her Father’s Stern Demeanor
One of the primary reasons Kezia stuttered while talking to her father was fear. Kezia’s father was a strict, authoritative figure who hardly showed any warmth or affection. He was a busy man who worked hard all day and expected complete obedience at home. When he returned from work, he would ask in a harsh voice, “Mother, is that you?” and demand that his slippers and tea be brought to him.
For a little girl like Kezia, such behavior was intimidating. She feared making mistakes in front of her father, and this fear made her nervous. The stuttering was a natural response to this anxiety. In psychological terms, fear often causes hesitation and speech disfluency. Kezia’s stammering reflected her inner turmoil and her inability to express herself freely around her father.
2. Lack of Emotional Connection
Another reason Kezia stammered was the emotional distance between her and her father. Unlike other children who shared warm relationships with their parents, Kezia felt isolated. Her father was not the kind of parent who engaged in conversations, played with her, or listened to her thoughts. Instead, he was a figure of authority who believed that his role was to provide for the family, not to emotionally connect with his child.
This lack of emotional bonding made Kezia uncomfortable whenever she had to speak to him. She did not feel safe expressing herself and was constantly worried about saying the wrong thing. The stammering, therefore, became a manifestation of her insecurity and lack of confidence in front of her father.
3. The Pressure to Speak Perfectly
Kezia’s father had high expectations. He believed in discipline and expected Kezia to behave properly. This pressure to be perfect in her speech and actions contributed to her stammering. Every time Kezia spoke, she was overly conscious of her words, fearing that a single mistake would lead to criticism or punishment.
This fear of judgment created a mental block, making it difficult for her to speak fluently. In contrast, when Kezia talked to her grandmother or other people who made her feel comfortable, she did not stutter. This contrast highlights how a supportive environment can help children express themselves confidently, while a fear-inducing atmosphere can lead to hesitation and speech issues.
4. Kezia’s Misunderstanding of Her Father’s Love
Throughout the story, Kezia misunderstood her father’s strictness as a lack of love. She believed that her father did not care for her because he never expressed his affection openly. This misunderstanding deepened the gap between them, making her more nervous in his presence.
However, by the end of the story, Kezia realizes that her father did love her—he just expressed it differently. This realization dawns upon her when her father comforts her one night after her mother falls ill, showing a gentler side that Kezia had never seen before. Once she understood his love, the fear and hesitation began to fade, symbolizing how understanding and empathy can bridge the gap in relationships.
5. The Role of Parenting in Building Confidence
Kezia’s stuttering also highlights an important theme related to parenting. The story suggests that parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s self-confidence. A nurturing, supportive environment allows children to express themselves freely, while a strict, fear-driven atmosphere can lead to anxiety and communication issues.
Kezia’s father, though well-meaning, failed to recognize this initially. His reserved nature and stern behavior unintentionally made Kezia fearful of him. However, when he showed his softer side, Kezia began to see him differently, proving that love and understanding are essential in parent-child relationships.
Conclusion
Kezia stuttered while talking to her father primarily because of fear, lack of emotional connection, and the pressure to meet his high expectations. Her father’s stern demeanor and emotional distance made her nervous, leading to hesitation in speech. However, the story “The Little Girl” by Katherine Mansfield beautifully shows that love can be expressed in different ways.
When Kezia finally sees her father’s caring side, her perception changes. The stuttering, which symbolized her fear and insecurity, begins to disappear as understanding replaces fear. The story ultimately teaches us that open communication, empathy, and emotional warmth are key to nurturing confident and expressive children.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
