How Does Tim Gautreaux Use Symbols In Welding With Children

In the short story “Welding with Children,” Tim Gautreaux portrays a small southern town in Gumwood, Louisiana. Bruton, the protagonist, is challenged when he takes on caring for four of his grandchildren that were clearly raised differently than he. After spending just one afternoon with the children, he comes to the revelation that their actions are a result of his parenting with his own four daughters. After realizing this, and an unexpected visit, Bruton scrambles to fix everything in his life that has ever gone wrong. However, Gautreaux makes it clear to readers that even though one can fix aspects of their own life, there are still numerous negative effects of society that need improvement. Using setting, characterization, and symbolism, Gautreaux to address a problem in society and

Gautreaux’s strong use of symbolism exposes the numerous mistakes Bruton has made, and their lasting consequences. Bruton, narrating the story, introduces his kids, and theirs, one by one. First, the oldest daughter and her baby, Nu-nu. Next his second-oldest who “has a little six-year-old girl named Moonbean, and that ain’t no nickname” (Gautreaux 1). He proceeds to introduce the two others, Tammynette and Freddie. Because of his reaction when introducing what his kids have named their kids, readers can assume that Bruton is not exceedingly proud of his or his daughters’ parenting methods. Names like Moonbean and Tammynette symbolize the clear transition from generations and obviously reflect Bruton’s opposition to modern beliefs. Another notable symbol in the story is Bruton’s backyard. As he grows older, he cares less and less for his backyard. Being a welder, he has many random pieces