Tim Gautreaux’s short story, “Welding with Children,” takes place in your typical, tiny southern town of Gumwood, Louisiana. After spending the day with is four grandchildren—all of which were born out of wedlock by his disastrous daughters—Bruton is confronted with the realization that his life, as well as his four grandchildren’s lives are headed in the wrong direction.
After several incidents of inappropriate behavior by the grandchildren, Bruton attempts damage control— which was ultimately unsuccessful. The next day, he receives some unexpected advice from the slightly judgmental town “king” on how to make life better for his family. Elements of generational conflict within Bruton’s family and deep symbolism offer readers hope for reestablishment.
Having grown up in Louisiana his whole life, Gautreaux’s knowledge of the south, its demographics, and culture gives outsiders a look into the southern lifestyle and its charming quirkiness. The south and its inhabitants often perceived as off-the-wall and unrelatable by the other regions within the United States. Gautreaux’s writings prove these stereotypes false by bringing to light how all southerners go through the same life conflicts and troubles as everyone else, just with an offbeat approach.
Specifically used, in “Welding with Children,” is the topic of generational conflict. This trait is not something strictly found in southern homes, rather it is all over the world. Everyone can relate to rebellion through the ages. Bruton’s family is faced with generational conflict all throughout the story. Even though his four daughters are not talked about much in the story, readers can conclude that their upbringing didn’t go according to plan. Bruton states, “None of them have any religion to speak of.
I thought they’d pick it up from their mamma, like I did from mine, but LaNelle always worked so much, she just had time to cook, clean transport, and fuss” (Gautreaux 4). They each have had a child out of wedlock and like to party which is considered disgraceful in the south, also known as the Bible Belt. None of Bruton’s grandchildren’s fathers are in their lives and have no guidance from their mothers. Essentially, the children are miniature versions of their mothers—which will be no good for their future.
