A Worn Path

A Worn Path
Eudora Welty

In this short story, Welty used indirect characterization to describe Phoenix. Near the beginning of the story, Welty reveals part of Phoenix's character by describing her appearance."She was very old and small and she walked slowly in the dark pine shadows, moving a little from side to side in her steps with the balanced heaviness and lightness of a pendulum in a grandfather clock" (Welty). Welty further revealed Phoenix's character through her interaction with other minor characters. During the story, Phoenix meets a hunter. During their conversation, the hunter points his gun at Phoenix, but she did not move. She was unafraid which shows that she was a courageous woman. Another character who helped reveal Phoenix's character was the nurse. In their conversation, Phoenix momentarily forgot why she traveled to their office. She may be old and slightly senile, but this event revealed something deeper. This showed the care she took for her grandson. Whether or not the boy is alive, the fact that Phoenix traveled so far to get him help shows her unconditional love for him.