"A Visit of Charity" initially appears to be a straightforward tale. Marian, a young Campfire Girl, begrudgingly visits a nursing home to earn points for her charity badge. However, beneath this simple act lies a complex web of symbolism, revealing a vivid, dreamlike world as Marian encounters two eccentric residents.

Entrance into an Unfamiliar World

As Marian steps into the nursing home, the warped linoleum underfoot creates the sensation of walking on undulating waves. The air is thick with an odd smell, reminiscent of the inside of a clock, adding to the surreal atmosphere. When a nurse, whose appearance is rather masculine, informs Marian that there are "two" in each room, the young girl innocently asks, "Two what?" This exchange hints at Marian's naivety and the peculiar world she has entered.

Encounters with the Inhabitants

Within the confines of this peculiar setting, Marian meets two elderly women whose characters are as vivid as the surroundings. One of the women is described in birdlike terms, her hand like a claw as she removes Marian’s hat, while her chatter seems never-ending. The other resident, Addie, is bedridden and characterized by her "bunchy white forehead" and "red eyes like a sheep," which reinforces her resemblance to a bleating sheep when she demands, "Who—are—you?"

A Bewildering Experience

Marian soon feels trapped in a place akin to a robber's lair. Her sense of self begins to dissipate, leaving her unable to even recall her name. In this disorienting state, her mind is clouded, and the accelerated rocking of the old woman’s chair becomes incomprehensible. The rapid motion seems impossible, further enveloping Marian's experience in a dreamlike haze.

The Story's Climax

The narrative reaches its peak when it is revealed that it is old Addie's birthday. As her loquacious roommate reminisces about attending school as a child, Addie erupts in a rare, lengthy outburst. She vehemently denies ever being young or going to school, exclaiming, "You never were anything—only here. You never were born! You don’t know anything... Who are you? You’re a stranger—a perfect stranger." This confrontation underscores Addie’s existential anguish and her perception of the world as a stranger.

A Moment of Reflection

Marian, drawn by Addie's vehement denial, scrutinizes her closely, as if she is the sole focus of her curiosity. This moment marks a first for Marian, who has never before absorbed another person's presence so completely. When she inquires about Addie's age, the old woman cryptically refuses, bleating once more like a sheep. The experience leaves Marian baffled, as if suspended between reality and reverie.

The Aftermath

In the concluding segment of the story, Marian emerges from what seems like a daunting ordeal. She boards the bus and takes a hearty bite from the apple she had hidden away prior to her visit, as if distancing herself from the unsettling events she has just witnessed. This act of eating the apple symbolizes a return to normalcy, perhaps even a forgetting of the unsettling reality within the nursing home.

"A Visit of Charity" effectively uses the surface narrative of a simple visit to a nursing home to delve into deeper themes of isolation, identity, and the passage of time. The story's rich metaphoric structure invites readers to ponder the nature of human connections and how we perceive those who live at society's margins. While the ending may seem inconclusive, it ultimately challenges readers to reflect on their interpretations of charity and compassion.