Expanding the Circle

Looking at the title of Frances Miriam Berry Whitcher’s short story pretty much says it all: “Aunt Maguire Continues Her Account of the Sewing Society,” is exactly what it says—a narrative from Aunt Maguire about the workings of the town sewing society. What isn’t in the title is the part about how this group of women cannot come to a consensus on anything, and how what they say and do runs completely contradictory to reality. Certainly, the humor of her piece speaks much about the way women (especially in groups) operate. What made it even more comedic is the hard truth behind her scenario. Much humor is based on outlandish exaggerations which are so far removed from the original object of interest, that there is almost like this “safety space,” or distance which helps to lessen the possible offensiveness the joke could have on the target. But, what can one do in the face of Whitcher’s story, a story in which the humor is practically the same as the truth?

The fact is, that as loathed as some are to admit it, Whitcher’s portrayal of the sewing society is honest, and not much can change that. There are so many possible examples of women I know (including myself) carrying on much in the same way Whitcher’s group does. So many times when after a full day of cleaning, hours cooking, and weeks of planning, there are the customary, “Oh, this is nothing,” and, “Everything is a mess!” Few times (if almost not at all) can I think of a man pulling the same behavior. If he takes the time to do something, and if it is done well, he will let everyone know. Of course, what all this says about men and women could take up volumes in a Sociology book. However, for here, best to go with a simpler explanation, acknowledging that it is just another one of those differences between the sexes humor always seems to notice, and utilize to the fullest.

Still, one aspect of Whitcher’s story that should not be attributed exclusively to women, is a group’s failure to agree. Group discord can be found everywhere, and to think only women cannot agree is completely foolish. Just look at government (a largely male-dominated group of people). Try running anything through the House or Senate, and good luck! It is a place where they vote to take a vote, and no matter if they all agree, everyone still wants to speak their piece. What’s more, even if it is a good bill, there will always be someone ready to stymie the process for whatever reason. Maybe they should all follow Miss Birsley’s wise words and realize, “Then why don’t you agree with us?...that’s the way to be unanimous” (75). Yes, the humor of gossip and sewing circles may be more gender exclusive, but arguing and disagreeing is an inherent part of group dynamics, no matter who is involved.

Whitcher, Frances Miriam Berry. “Aunt Maguire Continues Her Account of the Sewing Society.” Redressing the Balance: American Women's Literary Humor from Colonial Times to the 1980s. Ed. Nancy Walker and Zita Dresner. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1988. 71-81.