The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Versions of Reality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)

Quote #1

"WE'RE going through!" The Commander's voice was like thin ice breaking. (1)

Notice that we begin the story in Walter's mind. This is good evidence for the argument that dreams and not reality dominate the plotline.

Versions of Reality

Quote #2

The pounding of the cylinders increased: ta-pocketa-pocketa-pocketa-pocketa-pocketa. (1)

Notice how elements of reality are incorporated into Mitty's dreams. In this case, he reinterprets the sound of the car as the sound of the hydroplane.

Versions of Reality

Quote #3

"You're tensed up again," said Mrs. Mitty. "It's one of your days. I wish you'd let Dr. Renshaw look you over." (3)

After this line, readers might suspect that Walter Mitty is mentally unstable. Or, it could just be that his wife is overreacting.

Versions of Reality

Quote #4

"Obstreosis of the ductal tract. Tertiary. Wish you'd take a look at him." "Glad to," said Mitty. (5)

Mitty even makes up words and terms in his imaginings – his dreams always have the tinge of kid-like fantasy.

Versions of Reality

Quote #5

Walter Mitty took the gun and examined it expertly. "This is my Webley-Vickers 50.80," he said calmly. (10)

This is an absurdly large gun, of course – again we see that Walter's fantasies are absurd; he doesn't know much about the lifestyles he pretends to live.

Versions of Reality
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