Community

One function of the story is to illustrate interpersonal trust and tension, as expressed both on individual and communal levels. For example, the act of gossip is a repeated motif in the story, and the feelings surrounding gossip are complex and multifaceted. On one hand, gossip allows the characters to communicate and share useful information about their community. On the other hand, gossip is also sometimes harmful and causes tension. For example, Mrs. Fletcher is deeply frustrated when Mrs. Pike deduces Mrs. Fletcher’s pregnancy, and then Leota and Mrs. Pike gossip about the pregnancy. Mrs. Fletcher expresses her displeasure to Leota: “If a certain party hadn't found it and spread it around, it wouldn’t be too late [for an abortion] even now” (30). Nonetheless, the interpersonal bond between Mrs. Fletcher and remain seems to remain strong as interpersonal ad communal relationships are necessary for happiness...