Why I Live at the P.O.

by Eudora Welty

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• Some early critics argue that Welty's stories revolve around characters who are "abnormal." Katherine Anne Porter even describes Sister as "a terrifying case of dementia praecox," or schizophrenia. Welty counters that her characters are ordinary people who tend to speak in exaggerated ways. Do you believe that Sister is mentally ill? To what extent do you think the family conflicts depicted by Welty are unusual?

• Robert Penn Warren identifies the primary theme in Welty's writing as the tension between love and individuality. This theme is clearly relevant to Sister. In your view, what does Sister need more—her family's affection or independence from them?

• The story's conflict is driven by the sibling rivalry between Sister and Stella-Rondo. Explore psychological theories on the origins of sibling rivalry or reflect on your own experiences with it. How does understanding sibling rivalry help you grasp the dynamics between the sisters and the other family members?

• Welty is renowned for capturing the nuances of Southern speech. Read a favorite passage from "Why I Live at the P.O." aloud. Which specific words, phrases, or speech patterns make Welty's writing distinctive? How does this unique Southern voice influence your enjoyment of the story and your perception of the characters?

• Welty believes that a strong sense of place in fiction enhances the universality of its themes. Describe the sense of China Grove, Mississippi, that Welty creates in "Why I Live at the P.O." In your opinion, does this add to or detract from the story's universal appeal?

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