A Worn Path Group

Question:

esterine1115
esterine1115
Student
College - Sophomore

In "A Worn Path," what does Welty accomplish by withholding the purpose of Phoenix's journey until the end of the journey?

Rate question:

Posted by esterine1115 on Thursday May 29, 2008 at 1:20 AM and tagged with a worn path, journey, phoenix, welty.

Answers:


  1. jeff-hauge Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    This plays upon the reader's own preconceived notions regarding the description of Phoenix. Welty gives the reader a known gap or lack of information. This is called a "lacuna" and the reader is provoked into filling this gap with guesses. The nature of the guesses say much more about the reader than the character. This puts the reader on one side of the shotgun or the other. That moment makes the reader chose. Either we identify with one character or the other.

    In finally disclosing the purpose of the journey the reader must try to fathom the deep love she shows for her grandson.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by jeff-hauge on Thursday May 29, 2008 at 5:38 AM