Analysis of Quotes from Eudora Welty's 'Petrified Man'

These flashcards provide analysis and contextual understanding of key quotations from Eudora Welty's 'Petrified Man', including character dynamics and thematic significance.

Quote: 'Reach in my purse and git me a cigarette without no powder in it if you kin.'

A female character speaks to a friend or acquaintance in a casual setting, reflecting her unrefined language and illustrating the everyday struggles of working-class life. This quote reveals the character's lack of pretense and authenticity, suggesting a comfort in her social environment despite societal pressures.

Quote: 'Hidden in this den of curling fluid and henna packs.'

A character describes the beauty parlor setting where multiple women gather, emphasizing the superficiality and societal expectations surrounding beauty. This setting reveals the characters' preoccupation with appearances and their desire for acceptance in a culture that prioritizes outward looks.

Quote: 'You had fourteen minutes comin’ to you.'

A character addresses another in a personal conversation about time management, revealing the relatable tensions and dynamics in their relationship. This highlights the significance of time in their daily lives, reflecting their interconnectedness and shared experiences.

Quote: 'All I know is, whoever it is ‘ll be sorry some day. Why, I just barely knew it myself!'

A character expresses anxiety about someone’s decisions or actions, indicating uncertainty and foreboding. This quote reveals the character's inner turmoil and hints at unresolved issues, emphasizing themes of regret and the consequences of one’s choices.

Quote: 'She got her a job but it was Fay’s Millinery.'

The speaker mentions another female character's job, emphasizing the limited opportunities available to women in certain societal contexts. This reveals gender roles and societal expectations that dictate career paths for women, underlining themes of autonomy and ambition.

Quote: 'He oughtn’t to try on those ladies’ hats.'

A character comments on a male's behavior, suggesting social norms regarding masculinity are being violated. This reveals the character's adherence to community standards of gender, reinforcing societal expectations that restrict individual expression.

Quote: 'Well! I’m almost tempted not to have this one.'

A character reflects on vanity and societal pressures surrounding appearance while making a choice about something personal. This shows the character’s internal conflict regarding public perception and beauty, indicating the weight of social expectations on personal choices.

Quote: 'Well, now honey, I just want you to know—I habm’t told any of my ladies and I ain’t goin’ to tell ‘em—even that you’re losin’ your hair.'

A character assures another in a close social setting about privacy regarding sensitive personal matters. This reveals the nature of gossip within their social circle and illustrates the importance both characters place on personal appearances and social standing.

Quote: 'So . . . she’s very observant, a good judge of character, cute as a minute.'

A character offers praise regarding a woman's discerning abilities and charm. This highlights the speaker's admiration, which may also reflect their own insecurities and the complexity of relationships among women.

Quote: 'No, I despise freaks.'

The speaker expresses disdain for those who are different, revealing deep-seated prejudices. This reflects societal attitudes toward disability and non-conformity, highlighting the character’s rigid views and possibly hinting at personal insecurities.

Quote: 'Well, honey they got these two twins in a bottle, see?'

A character speaks of their fascination with oddities, hinting at societal objectification and commodification of uniqueness. This comment suggests a blend of curiosity and exploitation in the character's worldview regarding individuality.

Quote: '[He] is five foot nine and one half.'

The physical description indicates societal preoccupation with height and appearance, reinforcing stereotypes about desirability and worth based on physical attributes. This reveals the character's focus on superficial qualities.

Quote: '. . . when it goes through his digestion . . . it goes to his joints and has been turning to stone.'

A character uses a metaphor to discuss stagnation and life's burdens, illustrating deeper existential concerns. This imagery reveals the character's perspective on his own life struggles and broader themes of paralysis and despair.

Quote: '[He] takes bending exercises every night of the world.'

This comment highlights absurd routines in coping mechanisms, showing a character's futile attempts to engage with their reality. This reflects the lengths to which characters go to manage expectations and the comedic elements of their situations.

Quote: 'All [he] does is lay around the house like a rug.'

A character reflects on another's inactivity and passivity, critiquing societal norms regarding productivity. This reveals frustration about societal roles and the impact of dysfunctional behavior within personal relationships.

Quote: 'She had . . . the ‘sixth mind’ but she had the worst manicure I ever saw on a living person.'

The juxtaposition examines the gap between intellect and physical appearance, highlighting societal values that prioritize looks. This comment underscores the superficial judgments that often overshadow deeper qualities.

Quote: 'Ever’body in New Orleans believes ever’thing spooky.'

A character speaks about cultural superstitions, revealing insights into community beliefs and their influence on daily life. This comment reflects how such beliefs shape interactions and outlooks within cultural contexts.

Quote: 'Just wanted to look pretty while she was havin’ her baby . . . '

A character reflects on societal pressures faced by women concerning beauty during significant life events. This illustrates the weight of external expectations on personal identity, particularly during vulnerable moments.

Quote: 'If a certain party hadn’t found it out and spread it around, it wouldn’t be too late even now.'

A character addresses the consequences of gossip, revealing its devastating impact on reputation and relationships within their community. This statement reflects the fragility of social standing and the tension that gossip creates.

Quote: '. . . [he] is wanted for five hundred dollars cash . . .'

This introduction hints at criminal elements within the narrative, revealing themes of morality and desperation. It reflects societal issues and the extreme measures characters may resort to in difficult circumstances.

Quote: 'Listen, that magazine was layin’ around the house for a month, and there was the freak show runnin’ night an’ day from not two steps away from my own beauty parlor.'

A character draws connections between their life and societal entertainment trends, showcasing obsessions with the unusual and the mundane. This reveals the intermingling of personal struggles with societal phenomena.

Quote: '. . . If you’re so smart, why ain’t you rich?'

The speaker challenges prevailing societal norms that equate intelligence with financial success. This comment underscores critical reflections on social status, suggesting discrepancies between intellect and material wealth.