# How does The Uncalled develop the theme of Community and Gossip?

> The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar

## Answer

The Uncalled by Paul Laurence Dunbar develops Community and Gossip across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The small-town setting is defined by pervasive gossip, as characters like Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Smith constantly surveil and judge others, shaping public opinion and influencing Fred's fate.

The women's conversation is filled with judgment, gossip, and a reluctance to help, highlighting the community's role in shaping social reputation.

The women engage in a hive-like drone of conversation, speculating about the preacher, Margaret's life, and her salvation, revealing the community's judgmental nature.

The women's meeting exemplifies how the community collectively decides Fred's fate, with gossip and personal judgments shaping the discussion.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/i.md): The women's conversation is filled with judgment, gossip, and a reluctance to help, highlighting the community's role in shaping social reputation.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/ii.md): The women engage in a hive-like drone of conversation, speculating about the preacher, Margaret's life, and her salvation, revealing the community's judgmental nature.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/iii.md): The women's meeting exemplifies how the community collectively decides Fred's fate, with gossip and personal judgments shaping the discussion.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/iv.md): The conversation between Miss Prime and Hodges highlights the pervasive gossip in the town and the community's watchful nature.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/v.md): The chapter revolves around Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Smith's gossip-driven investigation into Freddie's fate, highlighting how the community monitors and judges personal decisions.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/ix.md): Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Martin's tea-time conversation drives the chapter, revealing how the community scrutinizes and judges Fred's future.
- [xiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/xiii.md): The scandal surrounding Sophy Davis fuels gossip throughout Dexter, and Mr. Simpson attempts to weaponize it within the church.
- [xvii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_uncalled_se/chapters/xvii.md): The chapter highlights how Dexter's residents obsess over Tom Brent's and Fred's stories, and the Hodges' struggle to keep Fred's news private.

## Links

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