Ann Petry crafted an excellent short story in 1945,
giving it the title “Like a Winding Sheet.” It was one of her earliest works
and, although fiction, was not far from the truth. “Like a Winding Sheet” is, at first glance,
overlooked when examining Ms. Petry’s works due to the fact she has later
novels that have received much praise and many awards. However, this short work
of fiction deserves to be included in talks about her finest works. “Like a
Winding Sheet” speaks of important issues of racism and domestic violence, as
well as receiving praise and having many critics solidifying its significance.
This work must not be overlooked.
“Like a Winding Sheet” speaks of racism which was a
very prominent feature of society during the time of its publication and,
unfortunately, is still present in today’s society. Mr. Johnson, the main
character in the work, is so consumed by racism in every aspect of his life
that it completely controls him. Although equality is preached in today’s
society, it is still present. Everyone has seen examples of racism in their
lifetime. “Like a Winding Sheet” brings to light racism which pertained
extremely well to society at the time and can also relate to society of today,
showing the extreme importance of this issue.
Petry also bring to light domestic violence in her
work. Mae, Mr. Johnson’s loving wife, is beaten viciously. Checking any crime
log in any town or city, at almost any time in history will show that domestic
violence was prominent. “Like a Winding Sheet” was one of the earlier works
that made this abuse one of its focal points. Petry was quietly advocating for
fair treatment of women. Although laws have been created to protect women, abuse
is still present in households of today’s society, showing the magnitude of
this issue.
“Like a Winding Sheet” has also has had its
significance proven through praise that it has received. This work was
originally published by Crisis magazine,
the official magazine of the NAACP. This magazine may not have been as
distinguishable at the time, but its recognition and publication of Ms. Petry’s
work still proves the value of the piece. This magazine was advocating for
equal rights, an extremely important issue, and would not have published just
any ordinary piece. “Like a Winding Sheet” was also included in Martha Foley’s Best American Stories of 1946, a great
honor, further proving its worth.
Besides the praise “Like a Winding Sheet” also had
many critics, just as almost all of Petry’s other works did. The fact that
people were just speaking of this work shows its significance. Critics will
always be present, but for the most part, only speak on works or issues that
are of significance and importance. Especially during the time of its time of
publication when many critics were white, that fact that many were even
speaking of “Like a Winding Sheet” speaks volumes of its significance.
“Like a Winding Sheet” is a very significant part of
Petry’s list of works. It must not be overlooked. It brings to light racism,
domestic violence, has received praise, and has critics. Many of the issues
presented still exist today. All these facts solidify the significance of one
of Petry’s most underappreciated works.
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