Introduction
“Why I Live at the P.O.” is a classic short story by Eudora Welty that wonderfully captures the nuances of small-town southern life in the United States during the early 20th century. The story is narrated by Sister, who has moved to the local post office after a series of family disputes. The story’s setting is a small town in Mississippi, which is established through vivid descriptions and character interactions that are unique to the Southern culture and lifestyle.
Setting
The setting of the story is firstly evident in Sister’s decision to live at the post office itself. In small, rural towns, post offices often served as community centers, where people gathered to catch up on local gossip or news. Sister’s decision to live at the post office is indicative of the small-town environment where boundaries between professional and personal spaces are often blurred. Another evidence of the setting is the intense familial drama that unfolds in the story.
Character Dynamics
The dynamics between Sister, her younger sister Stella-Rondo, and their family are typical of close-knit, insular communities where family disputes are often all-encompassing and intense (Welty, 1995). The family’s intrusive interest in Sister’s life, Stella-Rondo’s manipulative tactics, and the biased parental favoritism indicate the bittersweet relationships often found in small, traditional communities. Lastly, the setting is revealed in the characters’ colloquial language and southern dialect. Welty’s use of southern vocabulary and references to traditional southern meals like ‘black-eyed peas,’ ‘butter-bean,’ ‘cantaloupe,’ etc., reflect the cultural characteristics of small-town Mississippi.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Why I Live at the P.O.” by Eudora Welty is not just a story about family dynamics. It vividly portrays life in a southern, rural town in the early 20th century. The setting is masterfully evoked through Sister’s decision to live at the P.O., the intense family drama, and the distinctive southern dialect.
Reference
Welty, E. (1995). Why I Live at the P.O. and Other Stories. Penguin Books.