Blog Entry #1

"A Worn Path" by: Eudora Welty

For this particular story I chose to write about the way the author uses chronological order. In this story she doesn't mix up all the events and tell the story out of order, instead she tells it in order but leaves a vital piece of information for the end of the story. This creates suspense for the reader and keeps them guessing about why Phoenix is making this long strenuous trek. The main character of this story is Phoenix, it is unknown to the reader exactly how old she is but it is safe to assume that she is very old based on the way the author portrays her. She experiences many difficulties during her journey such as climbing a very steel hill, her dress got hung up on thorns, she had to cross a log over a river, seeing a mirage of a boy giving her cake, to being scared by a dog. The author tells the events of this story as they happen to Phoenix and still the reader is wondering why such an old woman would choose to do this, especially by herself. The author doesn't tell the reader much about Phoenix, except that she is very old and is making this very long journey, and not for the first time. A very clear picture is painted for the reader of what the main character looks like and why the setting is like. 

 While I was reading this story I began to admire this woman, she showed so much strength and dignity while she was walking. The author made it very clear that Phoenix had made this journey many times because she knew exactly what to expect and talked to herself about running into dangerous creatures. This is also a way the author used chronological order, by adding in experineces from the past. "...A pleasure i don't see no two-headed snake coming around that tree, where it come once." (Welty, 315) This story also portrays Phoenix's character in a very unique way, through her journey across this path her strength and determination are shown which tells the reader much about this woman.

The end of the story is where the author hits the reader with shocking information. Because Welty left important information from the reader, it creates suspense and a sense of shock. "My grandson. It was my memory had left me. There I sat and forgot why I made my long trip." (Welty, 318) The whole reason for Phoenix's journey is revealed in the last two pages. This very old woman made the journey for her grandson who has been sick for many years because he swallowed lye. She went into town to get his medicine so he wouldn't be in pain on Christmas day. These pieces of information are so shocking to the reader that it sends chills and makes this woman seem even more admirable than before. Chronological order plays a big role in a story, because the author saved pieces of information for the end it made the ending memorable.