The Optimist's Daughter | The Importance of the Concept of Home
In the following essay, the author discusses the importance of the concept of home to two women characters in Welty's novel. Bussey briefly relates autobiographical information about Welty to show how the author's own experience is reflected in Laurel's experience.
The saying "home is where the heart is" takes on special meaning in Eudora Welty's The Optimist's Daughter. In this novel, the death of Judge McKelva prompts both his daughter, Laurel, and his widow, Fay, to connect with their respective homes. Home is a place that allows for restoration, because it is a comfort zone where people generally feel accepted, regardless of their moods, feelings, or decisions. It is a safe haven where Laurel and Fay can be truthful with themselves among people who know them well enough to know when to challenge them and when to leave them alone....
[The entire page is 1568 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
Summary and Analysis – Themes – Characters – And much more...
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
Related Topics
Tell a friend about The Optimist's Daughter at eNotes.
