Before You Reading the Selection Responding to Literature

Before You Reading the Selection Responding to Literature Click a hyperlink to go to the corresponding content area.

• To read analyze a short story about an old woman’s journey • To distinguish between direct and indirect characterization • To compare and contrast two characters Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Eudora Welty was born in 1909. Click the Speaker button to hear more about Eudora Welty.

BACKGROUND The Time and Place “A Worn Path” is set near the city of Natchez, Mississippi, probably sometime around 1930. The Natchez Trace mentioned in the story was an old trail that led from the Native American villages along the banks of the lower Mississippi River northeastward six hundred miles to settlements along the Cumberland River, in what is now Tennessee. In the 1700 s, two towns grew up at the ends of the trail–Nashville and Natchez. Around the turn of the nineteenth century, the Natchez Trace was one of the most well-traveled trails in the United States. However, it fell into disuse around 1820 as steamships took over the role of carrying people and goods up the Mississippi. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

BACKGROUND (cont. ) Literary Influences Eudora Welty has written that her story ideas come, in large part, from “what I see and hear and learn and feel and remember of my living world. ” In an interview, she explained an experience that inspired “A Worn Path”: “I was with a painter friend who was doing a landscape, and I just came along for company. I was reading under a tree, and just looking up saw this small, distant figure come out of the woods and move across the whole breadth of my vision and disappear into the woods on the other side …. I knew she was going somewhere. I knew that she was bent on an errand, even at that distance. ” Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

VOCABULARY PREVIEW grave: (adj) dignified and gloomy; somber; p. 833 quivering: (n) a shaking with a slight, rapid vibration; a trembling; p. 834 thicket: (n) an area of dense growth, as of shrubs or bushes; p. 834 limber: (adj) able to bend or move easily; nimble; p. 834 vigorously: (adv) with power, energy, and strength; p. 835 ceremonial: (adj) formal; p. 838 solemn: (adj) serious; grave; p. 838 comprehension: (n) the act of grasping mentally; understanding; p. 839 Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

FOCUS ACTIVITY Think about elderly people you respect and admire–people you know personally or people you know about. List Ideas Make a list of five to ten admirable elderly people, and write down what it is you admire about them. Setting a Purpose Read to discover the qualities of one elderly woman. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

A Active Reading Predict The phoenix is a mythological bird that lives for hundreds of years and then sets itself on fire, dies, and is reborn from the ashes. What might the character in the story be like, based on her name? Phoenix may be someone who has lived long and who rises to meet new challenges. Navigation Toolbar ABCDEFGHIJKLMN Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

B Literary Elements Characterization What can you infer about Phoenix’s character from the first paragraph on page 834 of your textbook? The fact that Phoenix talks to herself suggests that she spends a lot of time alone. Her diction and grammar reveal her as a rural southerner with little education. Her threatening words directed to the animals may indicate nervousness with animals and yet a determination to proceed no matter what. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

C Literary Elements Extended Metaphor This story may be read as an extended metaphor that compares Phoenix’s journey with all people’s journeys through life. She refers to her day’s journey, which, like life’s journey for the elderly, is getting short.

D Active Reading Question Who is the boy described in the second paragraph on page 835? How can you explain his appearance at this time? The boy is a hallucination. Phoenix is old and overtired from her trip, and she’s imagining things. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

E Literary Elements Symbolism Identify the symbolism of the field Phoenix encounters on her journey. How does it relate to the extended metaphor of Phoenix’s journey? The field, with its dead cotton, dead trees, and a buzzard, symbolizes death. Phoenix symbolically fights death with her challenge to the buzzard. She continues “in the furrow, ” an image reminiscent of a grave. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

F Literary Elements Extended Metaphor What is the extended metaphor of Phoenix’s passage through “the maze” on page 835? Explain. The corn is dead, again calling to mind the real death Phoenix faces. In death there is no path, as there is in life, so direction and destination are a mystery. The scarecrow is black and skinny and it is referred to as a ghost. Phoenix touches it–she is close to death–and she dances with death. But when she realizes that death is still a scarecrow, and not real for her, she leaves the grave-like furrow, shakes her head in triumph, and continues on her life’s journey. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

G Critical Thinking Inferring Why does Eudora Welty have Phoenix comment about the spring at the beginning of page 836? What does her comment mean? Possible answer: The waters of the spring provide renewal of life. Phoenix says the spring was here when she was born, implying that life itself continues even though individuals die. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

H Literary Elements Symbolism The dog described on page 836 might be a symbol of death. How is this shown? The dog is black, a color associated with death, and acts as a predator. Phoenix fights him off so she can continue her journey to town, just as she is fighting off death in her life’s journey. When she is knocked down, the dog waits, as if in anticipation. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

I Literary Elements Character What does the hunter’s attitude and speech reveal about his character? His amusement at Phoenix’s plight indicates that he is not very concerned about her condition. He does, however, help her up and on her way. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

J Active Reading Questioning Why does the man point the gun at Phoenix? Is this action consistent with what you know about his character? He may be playing with Phoenix, pointing the gun at her just to see her reaction. The action is consistent with his character, and pointing the gun at her is simply another aspect of his attitude. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

K Literary Elements Characterization Why did Phoenix ask the woman to tie her shoe? What does this reveal about her character? Phoenix doesn’t want to be seen in the big, magnificent building looking like a country woman with her shoes untied. It indicates that, although Phoenix generally seems very humble, she has pride as well. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

L Critical Thinking Comparing and Contrasting Compare and contrast Phoenix’s words and feelings when she finally arrives with the attendant’s reaction. Phoenix is proud, even triumphant. The unfeeling attendant is only irritated. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

M Author’s Craft Setting How does Eudora Welty imply the time setting of the story? If Phoenix were too old to go to school in 1865, and is “very old, ” probably in her seventies or eighties now, the story must take place in the 1930 s. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

N Active Reading Question How is Phoenix similar to her grandson? Both suffer yet don’t let hardships set them back. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Personal Response Analyzing Literature Literary Elements Literature and Writing Skill Minilessons Click a hyperlink to go to the corresponding content area.

PERSONAL RESPONSE What is your favorite incident or image from “A Worn Path”? What is it about the image or incident that especially appeals to you?

RECALL What does Phoenix Jackson look like? She is a small, elderly black woman with her hair tied in a red rag; she carries an old umbrella for a cane and wears a dark striped dress, a sugar-sack apron, and lace -up shoes. Her eyes are blue with age, her hair is black, and her skin is wrinkled with golden undertones. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the next question. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

INTERPRET What does Phoenix Jackson’s appearance tell you about her? She is old and poor. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

RECALL Describe in detail the path Phoenix is taking. She follows a path through pine woods, up a hill, then down the hill through oaks. At the bottom she crosses a log bridge over a creek. She goes through a barbed wire fence into a cotton field and then into a corn field. She then follows a wagon track past cabins and a spring through a swampy area and under trees until she reaches Natchez. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the next question. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

INTERPRET From its description, what can you infer about the path Phoenix is on? What may the path symbolize? Support your answers with evidence from the selection. Possible answer: It is a long and difficult path. It may symbolize Phoenix’s and perhaps other people’s paths through life. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

RECALL Who is the first person Phoenix encounters? What happens? She encounters a hunter who helps her out of a ditch. He is amused by her, chases off a dog that has bothered her, and points his gun at her. He drops a nickel, and Phoenix keeps it. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the next question. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

INTERPRET What is the most important thing that Phoenix’s first encounter reveals about her? Explain. The most important thing may be that she is strong, clever, brave, and willing to do what is necessary to survive. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

RECALL What is Phoenix’s destination and purpose? At what point in the story do you learn this? Phoenix is headed to a doctor’s office to obtain medicine for her grandson. The reader learns this on page 838, near the end of the story. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the next question. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

INTERPRET What does the purpose of Phoenix’s trip tell you about her character? She is kind, self-sacrificing, and decent. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

RECALL How does Phoenix get her second nickel, and what does she decide to do with this money? The second nickel is given to her by the attendant in the doctor’s office. Phoenix plans to buy a toy windmill for her grandson. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the next question. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

INTERPRET What does Phoenix’s decision about the way to spend her money tell you about her? She is generous and loving. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

EVALUATE AND CONNECT Do you feel empathy toward Phoenix? Why or why not? Relate your answer to events in the story as well as to your own experiences.

EVALUATE AND CONNECT In Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird that, at the end of its life, burns itself to death; from its ashes, a new phoenix rises. Why might Welty have named her main character Phoenix? Welty might have named her character Phoenix in order to symbolize her resilience and triumph over life’s obstacles. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

EVALUATE AND CONNECT Refer to the list that you made for the Focus Activity. Would you put Phoenix Jackson on your list? Why or why not?

EVALUATE AND CONNECT Theme Connections Phoenix’s approach to the physical challenges of the path reveals much about her. Think about a physical challenge you have faced. What did you discover about yourself as a result?

EVALUATE AND CONNECT An author uses descriptive writing to create a picture of a person, place, or thing. In your opinion, how effective is Welty’s descriptive writing in creating a picture of Phoenix Jackson? of the “worn path”?

LITERARY ELEMENTS • Characterization is the way an author develops the personalities of characters. • In direct characterization, the writer simply states a character’s personality–for example, “The man was without imagination. ” • In indirect characterization, the writer reveals a character’s personality through the character’s thoughts, words, and actions or through the way other characters react to him or her. • The reader must then use these clues to infer the character’s personality. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

LITERARY ELEMENTS In developing Phoenix Jackson’s personality, does Welty use mostly direct or indirect characterization? Explain briefly. She uses indirect characterization, directly describing her appearance, but revealing her personality through her thoughts, words, and actions. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

LITERARY ELEMENTS What do the things Phoenix says reveal about her personality? Her words reveal that she is strong, has a sense of humor and proportion, and is appreciative, respectful, and kind. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Comparing Characters In “A Worn Path, ” Phoenix Jackson encounters several secondary characters on her journey. The character portrayed in most detail is the hunter. Make a chart comparing Phoenix with the hunter in terms of age, appearance, activities, attitudes, dialect, and any other elements you think important. Then write two to three paragraphs discussing what you have learned from comparing Phoenix with the hunter.

Practice: Choose the word that best completes each analogy. One is a part-to-whole analogy. 1. acrobat : limber : : clown : ______ a. solemn b. humorous c. flexible 2. study : comprehension : : practice : ______ a. competence b. ability c. understanding 3. bush : thicket : : petal : ______ a. stem b. flower c. bouquet 4. festive : party : : solemn : ______ a. prayer b. coffin Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers. c. funeral

Eudora Welty: Listening and Writing Objectives • To demonstrate proficiency in each aspect of the listening process such as focusing attention, interpreting, and responding • To make relevant contributions to conversations and discussions Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information.

Eudora Welty: Listening and Writing Building Background The main character in “A Worn Path” is named Phoenix Jackson. The name Phoenix comes from Greek mythology. Only one phoenix was alive at any one time, and it lived to a very old age. Some Greek writers believed it lived for exactly 500 years, but others said it lived for almost 13, 000 years. When the phoenix’s time on earth was done, it burned itself to death on a funeral pyre. Out of its ashes, another phoenix arose. The phoenix is a symbol of immortality and spiritual rebirth.

Eudora Welty: Listening and Writing Critical Viewing Listen carefully to what Eudora Welty has to say about her own writing.

Eudora Welty: Listening and Writing Click the Videodisc button anytime throughout this section to play the complete video if you have a videodisc player attached to your computer. Click the Forward button to view the discussion questions. Click in the above window to show a preview of the video. Click in the video window to see a preview of the video. Click the Videodisc button to play the complete video from the videodisc. Side B Chapter 17

Eudora Welty: Listening and Writing What did you learn about Welty’s life in the South and her life in New York? How were the experiences different? Side B Chapter 17

Eudora Welty: Listening and Writing In a brief paragraph, describe the voice that Eudora Welty says she has always trusted. Welty says that when she writes, she hears the words in the same voice she hears when she is reading. When she rereads her words, she listens to that voice and makes changes according to what she hears. Side B Chapter 17 Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.

Newspaper Article After listening to the introduction, read the newspaper article on page 830 of your textbook and respond to the questions on the following slides. This feature is found on page 830 of your textbook.

Newspaper Article Does this endurance run sound appealing to you? Why or why not? This feature is found on page 830 of your textbook.

Newspaper Article Why, in your opinion, do people push their physical limits? What might they discover about themselves by doing so? People often push their physical limits to determine what these limits truly are and to discover how they respond to difficult situations. They often discover that they are stronger than they realized and can survive hardships. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. This feature is found on page 830 of your textbook.

This newspaper article connects to “A Worn Path. ” People travel long distances for many reasons. Some, as in this article, run long distances to test their physical and mental strength. Others, like Aunt Phoenix in “A Worn Path, ” travel great distances because it is necessary. This feature is found on page 830 of your textbook.

Sense of humor Her response is humorous when the hunter asks what she is doing on the ground. Determined “I bound to go to town, mister. ” Self-sacrificing She makes the long walk to town for her grandson.