This work explores the use of gossip and the meaning behind it. Kathleen Norris uses the stories from the town to build grounds for her argument on gossip. As a writer, she finds that gossip can be positive and negative, depending on who uses the gossip and for what reason. Her main idea can to narrowed down to the principle point that “gossip is essentially democratic” Therefore, coming to the realization that it is part of free speech and gossip will happen regardless.
“Gossip can provide comic relief for people under tension”Norris states within the essay, but h