In her essay “Morgana’s Double Tale in ‘The Golden Apples’ (1955): A Summary,” Eudora Welty explores the complex character of Morgana, a central figure in her novel “The Golden Apples.” Through her analysis, Welty uncovers the dual nature of Morgana’s identity and the ways in which it shapes her relationships with those around her. Through her nuanced reading of the text, Welty offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most intriguing characters in contemporary literature.
Background Information
Eudora Welty’s “The Golden Apples” (1955) is a collection of interconnected short stories set in the fictional town of Morgana, Mississippi. The stories explore the lives of the town’s residents, particularly the women, and their relationships with each other. One of the most notable stories in the collection is “Morgana’s Double Tale,” which tells the story of two women who share the same name and the same tragic fate. The story is a haunting exploration of identity, memory, and the power of storytelling.
Overview of “The Golden Apples”
“The Golden Apples” is a collection of interconnected short stories written by Eudora Welty and published in 1955. The stories are set in the fictional town of Morgana, Mississippi, and explore the lives of its inhabitants. The collection is known for its complex narrative structure and use of symbolism. The stories are not told in chronological order and often overlap in time and perspective. The title of the collection refers to the mythological golden apples of the Hesperides, which were said to grant immortality. The stories in “The Golden Apples” are similarly concerned with the search for meaning and transcendence in everyday life.
Morgana’s Characterization
Morgana, the protagonist of Eudora Welty’s “The Golden Apples” (1955), is a complex character whose personality is shaped by her experiences and relationships. Throughout the story, Welty portrays Morgana as a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, independent and dependent, and loving and distant. Morgana’s characterization is essential to the story’s themes of identity, love, and loss.
The Two Tales of Morgana
In “The Golden Apples” (1955), Eudora Welty presents two tales of Morgana, a character who embodies both beauty and mystery. The first tale portrays Morgana as a young woman who is admired by all the men in her small town. However, her beauty is also a curse as it attracts unwanted attention and jealousy from the women in the town. The second tale shows Morgana as an older woman who has become a recluse and is rumored to have magical powers. Despite her isolation, she still holds a certain allure for the townspeople who are both fascinated and afraid of her. Through these two tales, Welty explores the power of beauty and the consequences of being different in a small community.
The First Tale: Morgana’s Love for Virgil
In “The Golden Apples” (1955), Eudora Welty presents a double tale about Morgana, a character who embodies both the beauty and the darkness of the South. The first tale, “Morgana’s Love for Virgil,” explores the passionate and tragic love affair between Morgana and Virgil, a young man who comes to Morgana’s hometown of Morgana Springs to work as a schoolteacher. From the moment they meet, Morgana and Virgil are drawn to each other, despite the differences in their backgrounds and social status. Morgana is the daughter of a wealthy and powerful family, while Virgil is a poor and uneducated outsider. However, their love is genuine and intense, and they soon become inseparable.
The Second Tale: Morgana and the Young Soldier
In the second tale of “The Golden Apples,” Eudora Welty introduces us to Morgana and the young soldier. Morgana is a beautiful and mysterious woman who lives in a grand house on the outskirts of town. The young soldier is a handsome and brave man who has just returned from the war. When the soldier comes to Morgana’s house seeking shelter, he is immediately drawn to her. Morgana, too, is intrigued by the young soldier and invites him to stay with her. As they spend more time together, they begin to fall in love. However, their happiness is short-lived as Morgana’s past comes back to haunt her. The second tale of “The Golden Apples” is a haunting and beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption.
The Theme of Identity
The theme of identity is a prominent one in Eudora Welty’s “The Golden Apples” (1955), particularly in the story of Morgana. Morgana’s double tale explores the idea of how one’s identity can be shaped by both internal and external factors. On one hand, Morgana’s own desires and choices play a role in shaping her identity, as she struggles with her own sense of self and her place in the world. On the other hand, external factors such as societal expectations and the opinions of others also influence Morgana’s identity, as she tries to navigate the complex web of relationships and expectations that surround her. Through Morgana’s story, Welty highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of identity, and the ways in which it can be both fluid and fixed, shaped by both individual agency and external forces.
The Theme of Love
In “The Golden Apples” (1955), Eudora Welty explores the theme of love through the character of Morgana. Morgana’s double tale highlights the different forms of love that exist in the world. On one hand, there is the passionate and consuming love that Morgana feels for her husband, Jack. On the other hand, there is the selfless and nurturing love that Morgana shows towards her daughter, Virgie. Through Morgana’s experiences, Welty shows that love can take many forms and can be both beautiful and painful. Ultimately, Morgana’s story serves as a reminder that love is a powerful force that can shape our lives in unexpected ways.
The Theme of Memory
The theme of memory is a prominent aspect of Eudora Welty’s “Morgana’s Double Tale in The Golden Apples” (1955). Throughout the story, the characters grapple with the memories of their past and the impact those memories have on their present lives. Morgana, in particular, is haunted by the memory of her failed relationship with Damon, which has left her feeling isolated and alone. As the story unfolds, we see how Morgana’s memories shape her perception of the world around her and how she struggles to come to terms with her past. Ultimately, “Morgana’s Double Tale” is a powerful exploration of the ways in which memory can both enrich and complicate our lives.
The Role of Mythology
Mythology has played a significant role in shaping the literary works of many authors. Eudora Welty’s “The Golden Apples” (1955) is no exception. The story of Morgana’s double tale is deeply rooted in mythology, particularly in the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter. The myth of Persephone and Demeter is a story of a mother’s love for her daughter and the lengths she goes to protect her. Similarly, Morgana’s double tale is a story of a mother’s love for her son and the sacrifices she makes to ensure his safety. The use of mythology in “The Golden Apples” adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a timeless piece of literature.
The Use of Symbolism
In “The Golden Apples” (1955), Eudora Welty employs the use of symbolism to convey the themes of the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the apple, which represents temptation and desire. The golden apples, in particular, symbolize the unattainable and the pursuit of perfection. Another symbol used in the story is the mirror, which represents self-reflection and the search for identity. The doppelganger motif is also present in the story, with Morgana’s double representing her inner conflicts and desires. Through the use of these symbols, Welty creates a rich and complex narrative that explores the human condition and the complexities of human relationships.
The Writing Style of Eudora Welty
Eudora Welty is known for her unique writing style that blends Southern Gothic with modernist techniques. In “The Golden Apples,” Welty’s prose is rich with vivid imagery and sensory details that transport the reader to the fictional town of Morgana, Mississippi. Her use of stream-of-consciousness narration and nonlinear storytelling adds to the dreamlike quality of the narrative. Welty’s characters are complex and often flawed, but she portrays them with empathy and understanding. Overall, Welty’s writing style in “The Golden Apples” is a masterful example of Southern literature that continues to captivate readers today.
The Significance of the Title
The title of Eudora Welty’s short story “The Golden Apples” is significant in understanding the themes and motifs present in the story. The title refers to the Greek myth of Atalanta, who was a skilled hunter and refused to marry any man who could not beat her in a footrace. The prize for winning the race was a golden apple, which was given to Atalanta by the goddess Aphrodite. In “The Golden Apples,” the title serves as a metaphor for the characters’ desires and the pursuit of their own personal “golden apples.” The story explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity, all of which are symbolized by the golden apples. The title also hints at the dual nature of the story, as it is divided into two parts, each focusing on a different character, Morgana and Virgie. The title suggests that the story is not just about one character, but rather a “double tale” that explores the lives of two women and their search for their own golden apples.
The Reception of “The Golden Apples”
The reception of “The Golden Apples” was mixed upon its initial publication in 1955. Some critics praised Welty’s use of language and her ability to capture the essence of small-town Southern life, while others found the book confusing and disjointed. However, over time, “The Golden Apples” has come to be recognized as a masterpiece of Southern literature, and it is now considered one of Welty’s most important works. The book’s complex structure and themes have been the subject of much critical analysis, and it continues to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars alike.
The Legacy of Eudora Welty
Eudora Welty was a prolific writer who left behind a rich legacy of literary works that continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Her writing style was characterized by a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of human nature, and a profound appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. One of her most notable works is “The Golden Apples,” a collection of interconnected stories that explore the lives of the residents of Morgana, a small town in Mississippi. In this collection, Welty showcases her mastery of the short story form, weaving together multiple narratives to create a rich and complex portrait of a community and its inhabitants. Through her vivid descriptions and insightful observations, Welty captures the essence of life in the American South, and her work continues to be celebrated for its timeless themes and enduring relevance.