“Why I Live at the P.O.” is a 1941 short story by Eudora Welty that humorously portrays family conflict and independence. Narrated by Sister, it chronicles the chaos that unfolds when her younger sister, Stella-Rondo, returns to their family home in Mississippi with a young child after leaving her husband. Jealousies, misunderstandings, and provocations escalate as Stella-Rondo pits family members against Sister, leading to confrontations over everything from a child’s parentage to a treasured beard. After being accused of ingratitude and insulted by her relatives, Sister moves into the tiny post office where she works, seeking freedom and peace. This Southern Gothic tale explores themes of family dysfunction, perception, and individuality, blending humor and poignancy in Welty’s signature style.
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