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TL;DR: Walter Mitty, a timid, henpecked man, escapes his dull life through vivid daydreams in which he is a heroic surgeon, a pilot, a murder suspect and a soldier. Each daydream is interrupted by his wife's nagging.
Table of Contents
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty at a Glance
| Author | James Thurber |
| First published | 1939 |
| Type | Short story |
| Best for | readers who like funny, gentle classic short stories |
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a short story by James Thurber, first published in 1939. The story was first published in The New Yorker. The term “Walter Mitty” came to mean a daydreamer. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens (Contains Spoilers)
The drive
Mitty drives with his wife.
The pilot
He imagines flying a plane.
The surgeon
He imagines saving a patient.
The court
He imagines a trial.
The bombardier
He imagines a mission.
The end
He stands against a wall like a firing-squad victim.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| The drive | Mitty drives with his wife. |
| The pilot | He imagines flying a plane. |
| The surgeon | He imagines saving a patient. |
| The court | He imagines a trial. |
| The bombardier | He imagines a mission. |
| The end | He stands against a wall like a firing-squad victim. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Daydreams offer escape.
- Dull lives need imagination.
- Domestic life can be stifling.
- Humor softens sadness.
- Courage in fantasy is not courage in life.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The story is short.
- The daydreams are comic.
- The ending is poignant.
Who Should Read The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?
Read it if you like humor. It takes minutes.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty:
- What detail in the story seemed small at first but turned out to matter?
- Who is right, and who is wrong, if anyone?
- What would you ask the author about the ending?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber (1939)
- Type: Short story
- Best for: readers who like funny, gentle classic short stories
- Main idea in one line: Daydreams offer escape.
Reading Time and Format
A short story can be read in a single sitting. It often appears in collections and anthologies, so check which one your library or bookshop has. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
A short story takes under an hour, so read it first if you can. Then use this summary to check what you noticed. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- My Life and Hard Times by James Thurber: funny memoirs
- The 13 Clocks by James Thurber: a fairy tale
- The Catbird Seat by James Thurber: another Thurber story
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Walter Mitty?
A daydreamer.
Who wrote it?
James Thurber.
Is there a movie?
Yes, 1947 and 2013.
Is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like funny, gentle classic short stories. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty returns again and again to a few big ideas. Daydreams offer escape. Dull lives need imagination. Domestic life can be stifling. Humor softens sadness. Courage in fantasy is not courage in life. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.