Worn Path Questions

A Worn Path Questions

1. What point of view is used in this story?

It is from a third person point of view, as if someone were walking along with her.

2. What is the significance of the old woman being named Phoenix?

Her name is very ethereal, almost unbelievable in the situation. It doesn’t strike me as a common African name.

3. What does this technique contribute to the story's effect?

It gives it a very “far off” almost not real feeling to it.

4. How would you characterize the way Phoenix is viewed and treated by the white people she meets? Does their behavior toward her give you any indication of where the story is set and when it takes place?

She is looked upon as an old black granny, some kind of second rate citizen who can’t be doing anything noble. This leads me to believe that this story is set in the post civil war, late 1800’s 1900’s in the south.

5. What does she admire about him, and what does this attitude tell us about her?

She admires his kindness, this tells us she is also kind.

6. Is the comparison at the end of this sentence just a striking visual image, or does it have a larger relevance?

It bears greater meaning on the nature of the story, and how this woman is attempting to do something noble for her son, but is shadowed by the times and her African decent.