In the short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner, Mona writes about a group of people at dinner. The guests talk about the amount of control each gender has. The men insist they have enough control to stay calm and think while women panic. The women at the table object. The real test is when they see a snake slither out from under their table. In the end, the hostess admits that she knew about the snake because it was lying on her foot. Mona demonstrates a few themes in this story such as gender equality, self control, and quick thinking. This story portrays self control in the characters the American scientist and the hostess. Even though the men at the table are saying women have less self control, the hostess does not join the argument even when she was technically being insulted. This can be an example of self control. The hostess also demonstrates self control when she realizes there is a snake on her foot but she does not scream or panic. ‘’’’’’’’’’’’“‘A faint smile lights up the woman’s face as she replies. Because it was lying across my foot.’”’’’’’’’’’’’’’ declares Gardner. She…show more content… The hostess immediately summons a servant boy to place a bowl of milk outside the door. “With a small gesture she summons the native boy standing behind her chair. She whispers to him.” The bowl of milk is used to lure a snake. The hostess’s plan is quiet and subtle so others do not panic. The American scientist finds out there is a snake under the table and is worried someone will move too quick and get bitten. So, he quickly makes a game that keeps the people still but doesn’t raise suspicious or panic. “‘I want to know just what control everyone at this table has. I will count three hundred - that’s five minutes - and not one of you is to move a single muscle.’” The people are still as statues until the snake makes itself known. The guests were kept safe by the hostess’s and scientist’s quick
