The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Lesson Plan

What are some of the traits that Walter Mitty’s various fantasies share? What might this tell us about him as a character?

Mitty’s daydreams are all situations of intense conflict, usually involving violence. Mitty himself is usually in a leadership position, but even when he isn’t, the other characters are always in awe of him. In most of his fantasies, he’s the only one who can save the day. Note how often Mitty is the perpetrator of violence, and note the ways in which that violence is portrayed. Consider how his fantasies are power fantasies—not just of being useful or respected or admired, but also of being powerful and wielding that power. Students may also note...