Petrified Man by Edra Welty

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“…God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers” (Romans 1:28-29) In Petrified Man, Eudra Welty writes s great example of mankind being given over to a debased mind. Welty’s story centers on two women, Leota the gossiping beautician and Mrs. Fletcher Leota’s vain customer, talking as hair is being made beautiful; however, the words which flow from their mouths have no semblance of beauty. Welty’s main characters retain not one redeeming quality. Welty uses a beauty shop as an ironic backdrop for the casting of bile and venom. Leota sets herself to the task of transforming, Mrs. Fletcher into hair art, all the while speaking from a dark heart. The beautician plies her trade not thinking of the hideousness gushing from her lips. Leota begins with a lie by telling Mrs. Fletcher “one of Thelma’s girls” had revealed her impending nativity. Soon after Leota acknowledges her deceit, she faines innocent in the acquisition of the knowledge Leota’s malaise is quick to turn on even those who she claims as friends. Mrs. Pike begins this story as a new friend with whom Leota has shared a Jax Beer. The advertising slogan for Jax Beer is “The Drink of Friendship”. The beer symbolizes a bond, which has formed; yet, friendship is not safe in the shadow of the wickedness and envy. Welty presents the fickle nature of that Green Monster of envy. Despite Leota’s declaration of friendship with Mrs. Pike, Leota’s spews forth putridity. This putridity leaves a stench about this shrine of feminine (beauty). Mrs. Fletcher fairs in better under Wel... ... middle of paper ... ...as the day we married.” (p 23) On the surface, all seems well; however if on looks closer one can see a very sad occurrence-taking place. Most couples who have lasted a goodly time together will not answer the question, “Do you love your spouse like the day you married?” Invariably man and wife will reply, “No, I love him/her more than the day we married.” Long married couples become closer. Intimacy grows in the physical as the couple’s love proportionally grows all more. The growth is palpable to the individuals within the marriage. Furthermore, as life’s hardships are over come together, the couple’s love will grow exponentially. Welty understands this yet chooses a different path for the Fletchers. Some place in time, either by Mrs. Fletchers pride or by Mr. Fletcher’s inability to deal with confrontation, the growth of which should have taken place will happen.

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