A Worn Path

Eudora Welty

Summary

• A short story about a very old black woman who perseveres heroically in difficult circumstances.

Author's Point

• the author utilizes the conventions of the heroic journey to describe the adventures of a woman who is unaware of her own heroism. The simple style that Welty uses for her account of Phoenix Jackson’s odyssey makes the story even more effective and poignant.

Setting

• Takes place on December, circa 1940, in southwestern Mississippi. The scene begins in the the wilderness and then shifts to the city of Natchez.

Purpose of This Story

• The purpose of reading this short story was to teach the reader if you love or care for someone you will travel the world for them.

CHARACTERS

• Phoenix Jackson
• White Hunter
• Natchez Pedestrian
• Attendant
• Nurse
• Grandson of Phoenix

FIGURES OF SPEECH

• ALLITERATION
• METAPHORE
• SIMILIE

THEME

• LOVE
• Though quite old and suffering from infirmities, Phoenix Jackson regularly walks a long distance to obtain medicine for her grandchild. Even in cold weather, when the frozen earth is slippery, she makes the trip. Her journey the worn path she follows—demonstrates her love for the child.

Plot

• Phoenix Jackson travels a very long way to town to get medicine for her sick grandson.

Climax

• The climax occurs when Phoenix recovers from a memory lapse and discusses her grandson's condition with the nurse

Falling Action & Resolution

• The falling action occurs when Phoenix sits in the doctor's office and won't even answer questions because she is confused about where she is. The nurses deride her for wasting their time. Phoenix finally realizes where she is and the reason she has come. She describes her grandson: "He wear a little patch-quilt and peep out, holding his mouth open like a little bird.

Activity

• Red piece of paper- Cut out a heart
• Write down something or someone that you would go to the end of the world for!