A Spinster’s Tale (Historical Context)

Historical Context

“A Spinster’s Tale” is told in a very complex way. Even though it is apparent that the events in the story take place around 1914 or so — the Spanish-American War of the late 1890s is still a fresh memory to Elizabeth’s father and “the possibilities of a general war” are referred to, foreshadowing World War I — the story is told much later. Elizabeth is telling the story as an elderly spinster, many years after the events of the story.

With that in mind, it is clear that Taylor is interested in exploring the time when the events of the story take place, rather than when Elizabeth is actually recalling them. The main theme of the story — Elizabeth’s exploration of her family and her attempts to make sense of what the town drunk, Mr. Speed, means to her — are rather timeless themes. However, as is the case with most of Taylor’s fiction, the American South is featured prominently; from a historical perspective, this is important in several ways.

Racial Attitudes

With the story set fifty years before the Civil Rights movement, “A Spinster’s Tale” provides insight into the racially segregated South of the first half of the twentieth century. This can be seen in the abundance of “Negro” (the accepted term for African Americans at the time) domestic servants. Often deprived of the opportunities to work challenging, lucrative jobs, many black women and men worked as servants. Lucy, the family servant, is the most visible black character in the story.

In the early part of the twentieth century, when the events in “A Spinster’s Tale” take place, most African Americans resided in Southern states such as Tennessee. Yet, it is clear that none live in Elizabeth’s middle to upper-class neighborhood. Elizabeth even makes reference to “nigger town,” which tells us not only of the racial separation that kept the races apart, but also the casual way in which a young girl would use what has today become an offensive racial slur.

Mr. Speed also repeats the word “nigger” during the story’s climax. This passing reference shows how deeply ingrained certain racial attitudes were, when “A Spinster’s Tale” takes place, and even when Taylor published it, in 1940.

The Automobile

“A Spinster’s Tale” is also historically specific in its vague references to what Elizabeth calls a “horseless carriage.” This is a reference to an early model automobile. Its novelty is evident by the way the automobile is discussed: when it is revealed that someone owns such a “machine,” it is considered an event to ride in it. The car is not used just to get from one place to another, simply driving in it is adventurous enough.

Taylor also provides us with additional insight into the types of profound questions the advent of the automobile raised. Elizabeth recalls that automobile owners had to proceed with some tact, because they were often “uncertain of our family’s prejudices regarding machines.” As is the case with many inventions throughout history, as the automobiles garnered more and more attention, some people felt obliged to oppose the impact that it might have on society. The automobile could have offended Elizabeth’s father — it does not, and several of the boys eventually go for a ride. This fairly minor scene is a fascinating glimpse into a world without the traffic jams, red lights, and highway accidents which are viewed as so common today.

Southern Life

Taylor often focuses on the changes that occurred in Southern life over the decades of the early twentieth century, specifically in the changing lifestyles and forgotten traditions that resulted from the rapid urbanization of the region. Such changes are not so evident in “A Spinster’s Tale,” though some critics have spotted it. For example, Mr. Speed may represent the utter breakdown of civilized society, and the refusal of Elizabeth’s brother and father to see this acknowledges their complicity in this breakdown.

There are also suggestions of a cultural clash in the parlor scene when Elizabeth’s uncles are portrayed as somewhat tactless, accepting “with-the-greatest-of-pleasure what really had not been an invitation at all” to ride in the car. This suggests that Elizabeth’s uncles, in their fascination with the automobile, are not as refined as the machine’s owners.

“I thought how awkward all of the members of my own family appeared on occasions that called for grace,” Elizabeth reports, again suggesting that while her family is wealthy, they lack a certain style. This signifies their position as a traditional family tied to the past, facing the future with a mixture of uncertainty and clumsy wonder.

Compare & Contrast

• 1914: At the time the story is set, the American South is strictly segregated. African Americans are denied opportunities to work challenging, lucrative jobs; as a result, many work as servants.
  Today: As a result of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s, many discriminatory laws and customs are challenged and eliminated. For example, laws that support segregation no longer exist; African Americans have every legal right and opportunity to pursue jobs and housing.
• 1914: The automobile is a rare sight outside of major cities. Yet with the growing popularity of automobile travel, people are able to move around faster and more efficiently.
  Today: Automobiles have become prevalent in American society. With the car culture comes the traffic jams, red lights, suburban sprawl, and highway accidents.
• 1914: American culture dictates that women marry and have children; because Elizabeth never marries, she is considered strange and outside of the norm. In general, to be a spinster is something to be avoided.
  Today: Many traditional values do not carry the social stigma they once did. For example, the marriage rate has dropped consistently throughout the decade; cohabitation is accepted and even encouraged. The concept of spinsterhood is considered archaic and outdated.