Eudora Welty A Worn Path Analysis
Eudora Welty is praised as a prominent writer in the Modern Period of American literature. True to her specific writing style, "A Worn Path" incorporates the local color of the South, giving the short story a unique lovability and charm. Likewise, true to the idea of Realism, the story has no real action. Instead, it focuses on developing and revealing characters. In addition, the story alludes to the legend of the phoenix. Thus, "A Worn Path" is a perfect example of the concept of Realism in writing.
The short story is set in December along the trail to Natchez, and follows the journey of Phoenix Jackson. Though she is getting older, she retains all the stubborn determination gained in her youth. Though many obstacles in the land are set
before her, she refuses to stray from her goal. A forest path is almost never easy, and to traverse one at an old age takes a sort of tenacity that is not easily found. Her purpose in town is to get medicine for her grandson, who appears to be her last remaining family. So determined is she, that large black dogs, fallen trees, thorny bushes, and a menacing scarecrow do nothing to discourage her or make her think of turning back. Eventually she receives the medicine in town, and departs once more on the long journey back. She has renewed strength and enthusiasm, almost as though she was reborn (true to her name) like a phoenix.
One key characteristic of the Realism style of writing is a common setting. The author takes a normally uninteresting situation and makes it into an engaging story. There are no epic battles in this narrative. There are no dragons, or castles, or knights in shining armor. Instead, there is just a stubborn old woman walking to town. She encounters un-extraordinary challenges, such as falling when startled by a dog, or getting her dress caught in a thorny bush. Normally this would draw little interest, but Welty uses the lack of vigorous plot to delve deeper into the main character’s personality and characteristics.
Phoenix Jackson is a charismatic and lively individual, despite her age. Her continuous commentary with herself gives the reader not only insight into her mind and thoughts, but also into her quirks. She is willful, but not proud. When she falls, she gracefully accepts the help of a passing hunter. When her memory fails her, she is “like an old woman begging a dignified forgiveness for waking up frightened in the night.” Even though she gives you the feeling that she will not be trod upon, she is also humble and kind. All of this is shown without narration from the author, old Phoenix reveals herself in her own time, piece by piece.
The combination of a common setting, lack of lively plot, and lack of interference from the narrator, is what makes Realism in writing unique. This short story was not about an old woman walking to Natchez. “A Worn Path” was the story of Phoenix Jackson; it was a small scene from her life, a window into her world. Welty doesn’t focus on the environment, but instead focuses on how it relates to her character. When there is a rustling in the bushes, Welty uses it as an opportunity to showcase Phoenix’s fearless resolve. When her shoe needs tying, Phoenix demonstrates her grace and humility by asking for help. Every action is another steppingstone in understanding Welty’s protagonist. For these reasons, “A Worn Path” exemplifies Realism perfectly.
Editor’s Comments
Introduction
-State which characteristics of Realism are being explored
Summary
-Use more creative language
Final Paragraph
-Restate thesis
-Relate to story
-Short restating of key points -plot<characters -common setting -little commentary from narrator
Throughout
-Use examples
-Transitio
The short story is set in December along the trail to Natchez, and follows the journey of Phoenix Jackson. Though she is getting older, she retains all the stubborn determination gained in her youth. Though many obstacles in the land are set
before her, she refuses to stray from her goal. A forest path is almost never easy, and to traverse one at an old age takes a sort of tenacity that is not easily found. Her purpose in town is to get medicine for her grandson, who appears to be her last remaining family. So determined is she, that large black dogs, fallen trees, thorny bushes, and a menacing scarecrow do nothing to discourage her or make her think of turning back. Eventually she receives the medicine in town, and departs once more on the long journey back. She has renewed strength and enthusiasm, almost as though she was reborn (true to her name) like a phoenix.
One key characteristic of the Realism style of writing is a common setting. The author takes a normally uninteresting situation and makes it into an engaging story. There are no epic battles in this narrative. There are no dragons, or castles, or knights in shining armor. Instead, there is just a stubborn old woman walking to town. She encounters un-extraordinary challenges, such as falling when startled by a dog, or getting her dress caught in a thorny bush. Normally this would draw little interest, but Welty uses the lack of vigorous plot to delve deeper into the main character’s personality and characteristics.
Phoenix Jackson is a charismatic and lively individual, despite her age. Her continuous commentary with herself gives the reader not only insight into her mind and thoughts, but also into her quirks. She is willful, but not proud. When she falls, she gracefully accepts the help of a passing hunter. When her memory fails her, she is “like an old woman begging a dignified forgiveness for waking up frightened in the night.” Even though she gives you the feeling that she will not be trod upon, she is also humble and kind. All of this is shown without narration from the author, old Phoenix reveals herself in her own time, piece by piece.
The combination of a common setting, lack of lively plot, and lack of interference from the narrator, is what makes Realism in writing unique. This short story was not about an old woman walking to Natchez. “A Worn Path” was the story of Phoenix Jackson; it was a small scene from her life, a window into her world. Welty doesn’t focus on the environment, but instead focuses on how it relates to her character. When there is a rustling in the bushes, Welty uses it as an opportunity to showcase Phoenix’s fearless resolve. When her shoe needs tying, Phoenix demonstrates her grace and humility by asking for help. Every action is another steppingstone in understanding Welty’s protagonist. For these reasons, “A Worn Path” exemplifies Realism perfectly.
Editor’s Comments
Introduction
-State which characteristics of Realism are being explored
Summary
-Use more creative language
Final Paragraph
-Restate thesis
-Relate to story
-Short restating of key points -plot<characters -common setting -little commentary from narrator
Throughout
-Use examples
-Transitio