Discussion group: A Worn Path, a Story by Eudora Welty - The Atlantic (11/28)

[Spideyman]

Did you enjoy this story?

I did find it enjoyable. Set in 1940's Mississippi, it was presented in third person point of view. Phoenix Jackson was a character who demonstrated love ( for her son), perseverance by making those many journeys over the years, and humor-- via the remarks to herself about the herself, the animals and nature. As she travels and finally arrives at her destination, we feel the tensions of that era in Mississippi. We also begin to learn about the path/ land she travel through-- bob white bird, mistletoe, thorn bush, and sweet gum. Natchez Trace was the worn path she traveled.


Thoughts>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[fljoe0]

It's a beautiful story about hardship and courage.

I think the worn path is a symbol for Phoenix's entire life.

 

[fljoe0]

There is certainly a racial element to the story with the arrogance that the hunter shows towards Phoenix but also she's looked down upon because she's poor and elderly.

 

[Spideyman]

We aren't told the race of the shopper and the nurse- but I did get a feeling of them treating her condescendingly. Sign of the times?

Do you also think Phoenix's persona also brought out some good in others-- the shopper helping her tie her shoes, the nurse ( after being so rude) finally giving her the nickle as a gift?

 

[GNTLGNT]

...not exactly a tale I would have chosen for myself, so I say “thank ya”....the story is just chock a block full of metaphors, yet I found myself soaking in her word painting....the visuals put me smack dab into her landscape with all the accompanying sights and sounds....

 

[Dana Jean]

There was some really nice description in this. I listened to the audio version read by the author for most of it but unfortunately Eudora doesn't read the entire thing. Not sure what happened to the rest of the reading as we get almost to the end before the narrator changes and a note is left that this was all of the author reading the poster had.

I love her twangy way of reading her words, but she rushes. She needed to let her story drip of her tongue like molasses.

A story of racism and the smarts it took to stay safe and unthreatening, and Phoenix was able to do that because she was elderly. Elderly blacks were considered more humorous than threatening. It breaks my heart that this behavior and treatment happened in my lifetime. And is still happening although I pray each day it is dying out with the ignorant.

And Spidey, I think you meant grandson that she shows devotion to. It was only those two left.

As fljoe stated, the worn path was significant of her life, but also she had made that trip like clockwork for the medicine to help her grandson's throat after he drank lye.

 

[HollyGolightly]

Oh I loved this. I didn't read it recently - but I'm a longtime Welty fan.

Is there a "what we're reading next" thread? I'll go look. Short stories and southern fiction are my thang!

 

[Doc Creed]

My deepest apologies, everyone. I had something come up unexpectedly and I forgot to check in. You know that I'm typically punctual and reliable. Thank you all for reading this story and I will share my thoughts tomorrow. I am glad you all liked it. Your comments are all spot-on.

 

[Doc Creed]

Thanks for picking up the reins, Spidey. Spideyman

 

[Tery]

Like GNT, I was taken in by the descriptions. I could SEE Phoenix, the path, the trees, the bridge, the dog.... everything. I saw the path as a metaphor for Phoenix's life and her grandson as symbolic of the younger generation. Really amazing little tale!

 

[fljoe0]

Oh I loved this. I didn't read it recently - but I'm a longtime Welty fan.

Is there a "what we're reading next" thread? I'll go look. Short stories and southern fiction are my thang!

We usually figure that out at the end of the current thread. You are welcome to pick the next story if you like.

We try to keep to the stories we think everyone already owns (like Stephen King, Joe Hill etc) or stories in the public domain that can be accessed for free.

 

[fljoe0]

There are several obstacles along the path. Phoenix has dialogue with some of these obstacles (the hill and the thorns) showing her defiance towards these obstacles as she overcomes them.

 

[Spideyman]

Thanks for picking up the reins, Spidey. Spideyman

My pleasure,Doc Creed . Life often gets in the way of life!

 

[Neesy]

Did you enjoy this story?

I did find it enjoyable. Set in 1940's Mississippi, it was presented in third person point of view. Phoenix Jackson was a character who demonstrated love ( for her son), perseverance by making those many journeys over the years, and humor-- via the remarks to herself about the herself, the animals and nature. As she travels and finally arrives at her destination, we feel the tensions of that era in Mississippi. We also begin to learn about the path/ land she travel through-- bob white bird, mistletoe, thorn bush, and sweet gum. Natchez Trace was the worn path she traveled.


Thoughts>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Oh crap - sorry - I was busy with shopping, going out for supper etc. then cleaning up the kitchen dishes from lunch afterward so I completely forgot about this.

 

[Doc Creed]

I first read this story a year ago this month and I think I posted about it because it was so touching. Welty is economical with her words and, as lean as her prose can be, they are savory as chicken fat or buttermilk. From the first page we are in Phoenix Jackson's shoes. The frozen woodland hills, to the feisty old woman, stretch on nearly forever- each encounter on the path is a trial. We see the humor in this journey, too. We laugh with her. When she falls in the ditch after the dog spooks her she tells the hunter, with hand outstretched, "Lying here like a June-bug waiting to be turned over." Here is this strong, elderly woman, that Welty says falls over "like a milkweed"- a reminder that she is indeed brittle and vulnerable despite her ability to laugh at herself and wield her cane like a brave knight. She is on a mission, an act of complete selflessness. Love in action.
I thought it was interesting that in a moment of inspiration Phoenix decides to buy her grandson a windmill, of all things. This must be a clue, a hopeful wink to the reader, because her grandson (we are told) has severe throat injuries and can barely breathe at times. The first time I finished this story I was like a man struck by lightning. Eyes and nostrils burning. What a beautiful, compact, treasure of a story...and that was my introduction to the short stories of Eudora Welty.

Everyone has already brought out such great details, some of which I was going to mention, so I won't repeat them. Thank you all who took the time to read and appreciate the story, it's a true work of genius. The hallmark of a Welty story is her uncanny ability to find common ground among the most disparate collection of characters. In her stories, she fearlessly and unsentimentally explores the best and worst of humanity through eyes of compassion.

 

[Doc Creed]

Do you also think Phoenix's persona also brought out some good in others-- the shopper helping her tie her shoes, the nurse ( after being so rude) finally giving her the nickle as a gift?

I think you are right, Spidey. This was my impression, too. Plus, it is around Christmas; that added dimension to the story, I think.

 

[Doc Creed]

I think the worn path is a symbol for Phoenix's entire life.

I hadn't quite connected those two ideas. Great point.

 

[HollyGolightly]

We usually figure that out at the end of the current thread. You are welcome to pick the next story if you like.

We try to keep to the stories we think everyone already owns (like Stephen King, Joe Hill etc) or stories in the public domain that can be accessed for free.

Seriously? I'd be so honored! Is that really all there is to it? No committee discussing whether my literary taste is valid enough to pick a group read? No secret handshake? I'll so some thoughtful thinking and come back tomorrow with a suggestion.

 

[HollyGolightly]

Alright friends - I'm back already. I wanted to pick something I haven't read yet, but something by a trusted author as well. I went with George Saunders and came across this gem - his first published short story, which includes a link to the commentary by his graduate writing professor - the one and only Tobias Wolf. I'm excited - I hope you are too.
A Lack of Order in the Floating Object Room - Hunger Mountain

 

[Tery]

Alright friends - I'm back already. I wanted to pick something I haven't read yet, but something by a trusted author as well. I went with George Saunders and came across this gem - his first published short story, which includes a link to the commentary by his graduate writing professor - the one and only Tobias Wolf. I'm excited - I hope you are too.
A Lack of Order in the Floating Object Room - Hunger Mountain

Sounds good! Thank you