We Are All Guilty Here

The North Falls setting is a symbol of The Fragile Veneer of Small-Town Life. Located in Clifton County, Georgia, North Falls is home to “[f]ewer than a thousand” residents (16). The diminutive population offers the potential for a tight-knit community feel. As Adam Huntsinger says of the town culture, “North Falls people […] always protect their own” (361). This sense of undying loyalty between the townspeople suggests closeness, connection, and camaraderie. However, “there [are also] the busybodies who stared openly” at others even when it’s impolite because they “wanted more gossip” (17).

The town’s insular community thus creates secrecy and nosiness. Everyone knows who everyone is and therefore wants to know everyone else’s business. This aspect of the culture creates divisions between the North Falls residents. For example, Emmy Clifton often feels embarrassed, irritated, and withdrawn when she’s around everyone because she hates how much they know about her. It is a guaranteed facet of North Falls life, but Emmy does not appreciate the exposure that living in such a small place demands. 

On their surface, the townspeople behave respectfully to each other but they often have secret agendas.