Kelsey McKinney champions the often-misunderstood practice of gossip, recognizing its essential role in human connection. Citing Virginia Woolf's experiences and literature, the article illustrates that gossip is an intrinsic part of life, serving both as entertainment and as a means to understand others. Despite its negative connotations, gossip fosters relationships, reflects our humanity, and can even uplift individuals in difficult circumstances, as shown through characters in works like Jane Austen's 'Persuasion.' Ultimately, gossip is framed as a fundamental and enriching aspect of social interaction.
To be human, as Woolf knew, is to talk about other humans. We all gossip, and those who don't are either lying or dead.
Yet, at the ring of the phone or the ping of the group chat, our hearts leap at the hope of some enticing morsel, delivered hot.
In spite of these misfortunes, Mrs. Smith is remarkably sunny, owing, in part, to a nurse who supplements her medical ministrations with news of the outside world.
Gossip entertains, and it also sustains.
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