Eudora Welty's "Petrified Man" examines the world of a small Southern beauty parlor. It becomes a microcosm to explore themes of deception, hidden desires, and the unsettling presence of the grotesque beneath the veneer of normalcy. Welty blends Southern Gothic elements, dark humor, and sharp characterization to create an entertaining and thought-provoking story.

The beauty parlor itself becomes a key symbol. While ostensibly a space dedicated to outward beautification, it is a breeding ground for gossip and the unraveling of secrets. Leota is the conductor of this orchestra of gossip. Her conversations with Mrs. Fletcher reveal the hidden anxieties and vulnerabilities that lie beneath their carefully constructed exteriors. 

Mrs. Fletcher's disapproval of Mrs. Montjoy getting a shampoo immediately before childbirth, for example, highlights the societal pressures on women to maintain a certain appearance. The beauty parlor thus becomes a space where the performative nature of social interactions is laid bare.

Published in 1939, the story reflects the social anxieties of the Depression-era South. The economic hardship of the period might be hinted at in Mrs. Pike's eagerness to claim the reward for identifying the petrified man. Indeed, she seems much more motivated by the reward than by putting a dangerous criminal behind bars.

Welty's time working for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the early 1930s likely shaped the world of "Petrified Man." The WPA tasked her with documenting daily life in Mississippi, requiring her to interview ordinary people from all walks of life. This firsthand experience would have exposed Welty to a diverse cross-section of Southern characters, their stories, anxieties, and hidden complexities.  

These encounters likely provided her with the foundation for the characters in "Petrified Man," like the gossipy Leota and the ostensively proper Mrs. Fletcher, whose carefully constructed facades eventually crumble. By drawing on these real-life experiences, Welty imbued "Petrified Man" with a sense of authenticity and a nuanced portrayal of the dynamics at play in Southern life.

Interestingly, all the adult men in the story can be considered "petrified" in a metaphorical sense. Fred, Leota's husband, is barely mentioned, suggesting a lack of agency in their relationship. Mrs. Fletcher's husband is described as someone she can manipulate with a well-timed headache, further highlighting a power imbalance. Even Mr. Petrie, the petrified man himself, is frozen in a state of arrested development. These male characters represent a stifling and inflexible form of masculinity, one that prioritizes the appearance of control and dominance. Their "petrification" starkly contrasts the vibrancy and power wielded by the female characters.

The assertive nature of the women in the story can be seen as a subversion of traditional gender roles, perhaps reflecting a shift in societal expectations during this time. The early 20th century witnessed the women's suffrage movement and was a time when traditional notions of femininity were slowly challenged. Such a portrayal starkly contrasts the archetypal Southern belle, known for her submissiveness and dependence on men. While the story does not explicitly advocate for feminism, it offers a glimpse into a world where women are starting to assert themselves and challenge the status quo. 

"Petrified Man" is told through a series of seemingly mundane conversations, which then take a sharp turn with the discovery of the petrified man's true identity. This twist keeps the reader engaged and reinforces the theme of hidden truths waiting to be revealed. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the characters' lives – a random magazine in Leota's possession holds the key to unlocking a shocking secret, demonstrating how even the most ordinary objects are more than they appear.