Why I Live at the P O

Why I Live at the P. O. by Welty

Some of the themes of Welty's writing include racism, responsibility, initiation, and belonging.

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​Southern Literature

Multiple Choice

Who is the narrator of "Why I Live at the P O"?

• Sister

• Papa-Daddy

• Stella Rondo

• Shirley T

Multiple Choice

Where does the story take place?

• In Tennessee

• The story doesn't say

• In China Grove

• In the Post Office

​People have different priorities, different cultures, different experiences, different weather, you name it, there's a way it's different and a way it changes how people see things and make choices

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When is the setting important?

Multiple Choice

Whose opinion does Sister value most?

• Uncle Rondo

• Papa Daddy

• Stella Rondo

• Mama

Multiple Choice

On what holiday does the story take place?

• Easter

• Halloween

• Christmas

• 4th of July

Multiple Choice

What is the most prominent problem in the story?

• coming of age

• sisterly rivalry

• cruelty to animals

• racism

Multiple Choice

What is the final "insult" that drives Sister to move to the Post Office?

• Stella Rondo says that Sister insulted Papa Daddy's beard.

• Sister says that Shirley T is Stella Rondo's natural daughter.

• Uncle Rondo lights firecrackers and throws them in Sister's room.

• Mama makes Sister cook the supper.

​Does she really want to move out, or does she want the family to stop her from moving out? She deliberately takes things that will make their lives less comfortable and makes a show of the process.

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Sister gathers all her belongings

Multiple Choice

What does Sister take with her to the P O?

• the radio

• two vases Mama likes

• kitchen clock

• all of these and more

Multiple Choice

How do the people of the town feel about Sister's choice to live at the P O?

• Some agree with her, some side with the family

• They all agree with Sister.

• They all side with the family.

• The story doesn't tell.