Walter Mitty's real life was one marked by mundane routines and a submissive demeanor, serving as a stark contrast to the thrilling, heroic adventures he constantly experienced within his vivid daydreams.
The Mundane Reality of Walter Mitty
In his everyday existence, Walter Mitty is portrayed as a mild-mannered, somewhat henpecked man living a quiet suburban life. His reality is defined by ordinary tasks and a perceived lack of control, particularly under the watchful eye of his overbearing wife. He is often seen running errands and performing trivial duties, which highlight his unexciting personal life.
His real-life activities include:
- Driving his wife to her hair appointment.
- Shopping for mundane items like overshoes, puppy biscuits, and specific brands of gloves.
- Being reminded of various responsibilities and perceived shortcomings by his wife.
- Appearing forgetful, timid, and somewhat incompetent to those around him.
The stark difference between his reality and his inner world can be summarized:
| Aspect | Real Life | Daydream Life |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Submissive husband, ordinary citizen | Hero, expert, commander, fearless individual |
| Activities | Running errands, driving, obeying wife | Performing surgery, flying, commanding, facing danger |
| Personality | Meek, forgetful, easily intimidated | Brave, brilliant, decisive, defiant |
| Interactions | Scolded by wife, overlooked by strangers | Respected, admired, feared, in control |
The Escape into Fantasy
To cope with the perceived dullness and emasculation of his actual life, Walter Mitty frequently retreats into elaborate and heroic daydreams. These fantasies serve as his true "secret life," where he transforms into various powerful and respected figures.
His imagined personas include:
- A courageous Navy commander: Guiding a hydroplane through a perilous storm.
- A brilliant surgeon: Performing a life-saving operation with innovative tools.
- A deadeye assassin: Testifying confidently in a dramatic courtroom scene.
- A daring bomber pilot: Willing to sacrifice himself for a heroic mission.
- A defiant individual: Facing a firing squad with stoic resolve.
These daydreams are rich with action, danger, and recognition, providing Mitty with an escape from his mundane and often frustrating reality.
The Fictional Nature and Inspiration
It is important to note that Walter Mitty is a completely fictional character, a creation of the acclaimed American author James Thurber. He first appeared in Thurber's 1939 short story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."
Although Walter Mitty himself is a fictional character, James Thurber drew inspiration for this iconic figure from a real-life acquaintance. Thurber loosely based Mitty on a friend named Walter Mithoff, who was known for his frequent and elaborate daydreams. This real-life individual's propensity for escaping into his imagination provided the foundation for one of literature's most memorable characters.
