Walter Mitty Comparison

Ever daydreamed about anything at anytime of the day? In “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber the main character, Walter Mitty, daydreams about a 2.0 version of himself. The 1.0 version of Walter Mitty is a monotonous and pitiful character, where his wife and many strangers nag at him and chastise him for “leaving the world”. However, there is a movie version of the short story. The Walter that is portrayed in the movie, starts off as a boring person with a very dull job in New York City. He is then sent off on a journey by his own will to attempt to recover a photo that was supposed to go on the last cover of the magazine company that Walter works for. Both versions have many similarities involving characterization and conflicts, …show more content…
In the story Walter isn’t doing anything in this life that gives him a sense of usefulness with the war help and everyday life. During one of Walter’s mind getaways within the book he fantasizes about how brave would be if he was taking part in the war by stating, “‘Get him to bed,’ he said wearily. ‘With the others. I’ll fly alone’ … ‘Somebody’s got to get that ammunition dump’” (Thurber 4). Similarities like these are there because they help us realize how pathetic real-world Walter is and what he really wants to change about himself and what he wants to be. The reality of what he is and what he wants to be helps move the plot along.
Almost every story with a movie version has some differences. In The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Walter is a dynamic and round character, but in the story version Walter is seen as a flat and static character. During the film Walter daydreams less often and goes on a once in a lifetime adventure where he undergoes his change and perspective on life. Walter in the story version, is a static character because in the story it states, “‘Does it ever occur to you that I am sometimes thinking?’ She looked at him. ‘I’m going to take your

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