"Like a Winding Sheet" is a short story by American author Ann Petry, first published in 1945. The story is set in 1940s Harlem and follows the protagonist, Johnson, a black man who is struggling with the stresses of his job in a factory and the racism and discrimination he faces in his daily life. The story takes place over the course of a single day, during which Johnson's frustration and anger build to a breaking point. When he returns home from work, he takes out his anger on his wife, Mae, and their relationship is strained to the breaking point. The story explores themes of racism, discrimination, and the effects of societal pressures on individuals and relationships. It is considered one of Petry's most famous works and has been widely anthologized.
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