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Selected Stories of Eudora Welty: A Curtain of Green And Other Stories / The Wide Net and Other Stories

eudora welty katherine anne porter

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Eudora Welty's subjects are the people who live in southern towns like Jackson, Mississippi, which has been her home for all of her long life. I've stayed in one place,' she says, and 'it's become the source of the information that stirs my imagination.' Her distinctive voice and wry observations are rooted in the southern conversational tradition. The stories in this volume, from the first two collections she published, range in tone from the quietly understated and psychologically subtle to the outrageously grotesque. Linking them all is Welty's remarkable ear for the language and point of view of the South. 'She's a lot smarter than her cousins in Beula,' someone remarks about a reputed suicide in one story. 'Especially Edna Earle, that never did get to be what you'd call a heavy thinker. Edna Earle could sit and ponder all day on how the little tail of the 'c' got through the 'I' in a Coca-Cola sign."

The stories in this volume, from the first two collections she published, range in tone from the quietly understated and psychologically subtle to the outrageously grotesque.

448 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1943

This edition

Format
448 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 1992 by Modern Library
ISBN
9780679600022
ASIN
0679600027
Language
English

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About the author

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eudora welty

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Eudora Alice Welty was an award-winning American author who wrote short stories and novels about the American South. Her book The Optimist's Daughter won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous awards. She was the first living author to have her works published by the Library of America.

Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and lived a significant portion of her life in the city's Belhaven neighborhood, where her home has been preserved. She was educated at the Mississippi State College for Women (now called Mississippi University for Women), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia Business School. While at Columbia University, where she was the captain of the women's polo team, Welty was a regular at Romany Marie's café in 1930.

During the 1930s, Welty worked as a photographer for the Works Progress Administration, a job that sent her all over the state of Mississippi photographing people from all economic and social classes. Collections of her photographs are One Time, One Place and Photographs.

Welty's true love was literature, not photography, and she soon devoted her energy to writing fiction. Her first short story, "Death of a Traveling Salesman," appeared in 1936. Her work attracted the attention of Katherine Anne Porter, who became a mentor to her and wrote the foreword to Welty's first collection of short stories, A Curtain of Green, in 1941. The book immediately established Welty as one of American literature's leading lights and featured the legendary and oft-anthologized stories "Why I Live at the P.O.," "Petrified Man," and "A Worn Path." Her novel, The Optimist's Daughter, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973.

In 1992, Welty was awarded the Rea Award for the Short Story for her lifetime contributions to the American short story, and was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, founded in 1987. In her later life, she lived near Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where, despite her fame, she was still a common sight among the people of her hometown.
Eudora Welty died of pneumonia in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 92, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson.

Excerpted and adopted from Wikipedia.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 25 votes)
5 stars
8(32%)
4 stars
7(28%)
3 stars
10(40%)
2 stars
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25 reviews All reviews
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lajz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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To be fair, this is a 3 1/2 star book for me.

On one hand, when the collection falls flat, it really falls hard. There are some stories within it that are just not good. They lack the charm, the depth, and the engaging quality that one would expect from a well-written collection.

However, on the other hand, it also contains some of my very favorite Welty stories. Stories like "Petrified Man" and "Why I Live at the P.O." are absolute gems. They are masterpieces of Southern Gothic literature, filled with vivid characters, rich descriptions, and a unique sense of atmosphere.

Fans of Southern Gothic literature will really appreciate this collection. It offers a diverse range of stories that showcase the talent and creativity of Eudora Welty. While not every story is a winner, the ones that are truly shine and make this collection a worthwhile read.
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teriyakihanbaga
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I finally finished reading this collection of stories by the iconic Southern author Welty.

It is truly a remarkable work that lives up to all the expectations.

The authenticity of the dialogue is simply outstanding. It feels as if you are eavesdropping on real conversations, with all the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the Southern dialect.

Welty's deft characterization is also a highlight. Each character is brought to life with such vividness and detail that you can't help but become invested in their stories.

From the complex emotions of the protagonists to the subtleties of the supporting characters, every aspect is masterfully crafted.

This collection is a testament to Welty's talent as a writer and her deep understanding of the human condition.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to experience the rich tapestry of Southern life.
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Jactumn
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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PETRIFIED MAN

Petrified Man is a short story from the collection Selected Stories of Eudora Welty.

For the sake of this review, I will solely concentrate on the short story and not the entire book. The author does an outstanding job of conveying the characters' voices. We see several women sitting in a beauty parlor, patiently enduring the rigors of beauty treatments. The main topic of their conversation revolves around men. As a result, the theme of the battle of the sexes becomes quite evident.

The title harks back to the Medusa myth and a man in a freak show who has been turned to stone. Another notable story in this collection is titled Why I Live at the PO. Interestingly, A Worn Path is not included in this selection.

This collection offers a diverse range of stories that explore various themes and characters, providing readers with an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.
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12yoHentaiCritic
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This seemed to be hit or miss for me.

The Key was my favorite piece among them. Her observations on the human condition were truly interesting to me. However, the stories themselves seldom held my attention.

I found that I felt no connection to most of them. It was as if they were just words on a page, not something that could touch my heart or make me think deeply.

As well, in my personal opinion, some of them were a bit over-written. They seemed to have too many words, too many descriptions, which made them lose the condensed power that a great short story should have.

The lady was talented, to be sure. Her writing skills were evident, but her style was just not always my cup of tea. I guess everyone has their own preferences when it comes to literature, and unfortunately, hers didn't always match mine.

Maybe with more experience and growth, her stories will become more to my liking. But for now, I'll continue to look for those short stories that can truly move me and leave a lasting impression.

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Erydien
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A handful of these stories were truly wonderful. They had the power to transport the reader to another world, filled with vivid characters and engaging plots.

Another handful more were beautifully written paintings of ambience. Welty's descriptive language was so rich and detailed that it was as if the scenes were unfolding right before your eyes.

However, not all of the stories were as successful. Some were muddy, lacking a clear narrative or a strong central theme. Others were simply impossible to get through, leaving the reader feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

I would not recommend reading this book as a collection of short stories. While there are some gems within its pages, the overall quality is too uneven. Instead, it would make a fine reference book for those interested in Welty's work. It showcases her range and talent, but also highlights her weaknesses.

That being said, I wouldn't run from future Welty. This collection has shown me that her work was pretty uneven, but it has also piqued my interest in seeing what else she has to offer. I'm curious to see if she can maintain a higher level of quality in her other works.
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PurpleMagic
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have always had a profound love for short stories. They are like little treasures that can be easily discovered and enjoyed.

Every night before going to sleep, I would eagerly pick up a short story and lose myself in its pages. It was a ritual that brought me great comfort and relaxation.

The short stories I loved were of the classic southern literature genre. They captured the essence of the South with its unique charm, rich history, and complex characters.

The vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the slow-paced lifestyle, and the deep-rooted traditions made me feel as if I was actually there, experiencing it all firsthand.

Each story had its own moral or lesson to teach, and I would often find myself reflecting on them long after I had finished reading. They had a way of touching my heart and making me think about life in a different way.

In conclusion, my love for short stories, especially those of the classic southern lit, has been a constant source of joy and inspiration in my life.
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javv123
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Merriam-Webster online dictionary offers an interesting perspective on the short story. It states that the short story often places a greater emphasis on the "creation of mood rather than plot." This observation holds particularly true when it comes to the stories of Eudora Welty.

Welty's works are renowned for their ability to transport readers into vivid and atmospheric worlds. Through her masterful use of language, she crafts stories that are rich in sensory details and emotional depth.

Rather than relying solely on a linear plot to drive the narrative, Welty focuses on creating a specific mood or atmosphere that pervades the entire story. This mood can range from one of mystery and suspense to one of quiet contemplation or even melancholy.

By emphasizing the creation of mood, Welty is able to engage readers on a deeper level and evoke powerful emotions within them. Her stories linger in the mind long after they have been read, leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, the short stories of Eudora Welty serve as a prime example of how the creation of mood can be just as important, if not more so, than plot in crafting a compelling and memorable work of fiction.
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DuckSashimi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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My favorite is "Livvie."

"Livvie" is an incredibly special and captivating thing. It has a unique charm that draws me in every time. Maybe it's the way it looks, with its beautiful design and eye-catching features. Or perhaps it's the way it makes me feel, bringing a sense of joy and excitement whenever I encounter it.

I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is about "Livvie" that makes it my favorite. It could be a combination of all these things and more. But one thing is for sure, whenever I think of "Livvie," a smile instantly spreads across my face.

I love spending time with "Livvie," exploring its different aspects and discovering new things about it. It has become an important part of my life, and I can't imagine not having it around.

Whether it's a physical object or an intangible concept, "Livvie" holds a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish it as my favorite.
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