The Biographical Approach to understanding Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” Seventy seven years ago, America was at war with European countries, fighting in the appalling and depressing World War II. Segregation in the south was slowly disappearing, and with the men at war, women became the fuelers of America’s thriving economy. Eudora Welty, a white, independent, and middle aged woman has the voice people want to hear during the harsh times. Swanson stated that “In addition to her many short stories, Eudora Welty published novels, essays, reviews, an autobiography, a fantasy story for children, and a volume of photographs of Mississippi during the Depression”(Swanson, 3). Published in 1941, “A Worn Path” takes a humorous outlook to an unfortunate
…show more content…
But before war and lost of hope, Eudora recalls a picture perfect, happy childhood followed up by her encouraging parents, helping her go to school and further her career as a writer. Eudora Alice Welty was born April 13, 1909, Jackson, Mississippi. She lived in Mississippi with her two parents; Christian Webb and Chestina Welty, and two brothers; Edward Jefferson and Walter Andrews. Christian and Chestina were fellow teachers, who raised Eudora and her younger brothers in a book-friendly environment which enabled them to inspire and create. Unfortunately, the Welty children were sheltered by their parents. Chessie and Chris lost a daughter in 1924, after Eudora, and her two brothers were born were born. The news of the death was not spoken between Mr. and Mrs. Welty to their children. According to Suzanne Marrs, a close friend of Eudora, she recalls “just a few years earlier they had kept Chessie’s surgery for breast cancer a secret from their children, and just as they tried not to mention the 1906 death of a son, Chessie and Chris never discussed this new loss with Eudora, Edward, and Walter. In silence they sought to anesthetize themselves and shield their children. Chestina’s grief at the loss of an infant daughter further strengthened an already intense devotion to her surviving daughter”(Marrs, 15). All and all, education was more important to the Welty's, and Eudora was sent to college from the years 1925 to 1931. Attempting to work as a writer, Eudora starts small and is published in magazines that eventually work their way up the chain to more money induced magazine companies. Nevertheless, Eudora returns home to Mississippi where she slowly but surely starts to make a name and
But before war and lost of hope, Eudora recalls a picture perfect, happy childhood followed up by her encouraging parents, helping her go to school and further her career as a writer. Eudora Alice Welty was born April 13, 1909, Jackson, Mississippi. She lived in Mississippi with her two parents; Christian Webb and Chestina Welty, and two brothers; Edward Jefferson and Walter Andrews. Christian and Chestina were fellow teachers, who raised Eudora and her younger brothers in a book-friendly environment which enabled them to inspire and create. Unfortunately, the Welty children were sheltered by their parents. Chessie and Chris lost a daughter in 1924, after Eudora, and her two brothers were born were born. The news of the death was not spoken between Mr. and Mrs. Welty to their children. According to Suzanne Marrs, a close friend of Eudora, she recalls “just a few years earlier they had kept Chessie’s surgery for breast cancer a secret from their children, and just as they tried not to mention the 1906 death of a son, Chessie and Chris never discussed this new loss with Eudora, Edward, and Walter. In silence they sought to anesthetize themselves and shield their children. Chestina’s grief at the loss of an infant daughter further strengthened an already intense devotion to her surviving daughter”(Marrs, 15). All and all, education was more important to the Welty's, and Eudora was sent to college from the years 1925 to 1931. Attempting to work as a writer, Eudora starts small and is published in magazines that eventually work their way up the chain to more money induced magazine companies. Nevertheless, Eudora returns home to Mississippi where she slowly but surely starts to make a name and