“A Worn Path” Discussion Questions
Directions: Insert these questions into your Reader’s Notebook by stapling or taping the top of this page
to a notebook page. Then you can flip this page up and write underneath it. Leave some space so you can
add to each answer as we discuss as a whole group.
1. What is the significance of the title?
2. When and where do you think this story takes place? What clues are there to lead you to this
conclusion?
3. What is significant about the setting(s) of the story? Refer to both time and location.
4. What is Phoenix an appropriate name for the protagonist? Note where the author refers to birds.
Considering the symbolic meaning of birds, how does the bird motif contribute to the
development of meaning?
5. Examine her encounter with the scarecrow. What could be the significance?
6. What do you think the white man Phoenix meets on the path represents?
7. What does Natchez represent? Its oak trees? Its steeple and cabins? Its little black children
whirling around her? Its paved streets? Its lights?
8. What does Missy who ties Phoenix’s shoelaces represent?
9. Describe the entry to the building. What do these details symbolize?
10. Define the purpose of the brief bout of forgetfulness (from a literary point of view) that Phoenix
experiences.
11. What is significant about Phoenix’s poor eyesight?
12. What, if anything, does Phoenix learn throughout her journey?
13. In answer to a student who wrote to ask her: “Is the grandson really dead?” Welty responded,
“My best answer would be: Phoenix is alive.” What might have led the student to ask that
question? How can the author’s remark be seen as an answer?
14. In one concise statement, sum up the universal idea of this story.
