A Worn Path

by

Eudora Welty

Attendant Character Analysis

On first looking at Phoenix in the doctor’s office, the attendant assumes that Phoenix is a “charity case”. She is fairly rude and condescending, haranguing Phoenix for failing to give immediate answers rather than caring about Phoenix’s well-being. Noting that it’s Christmastime, she offers Phoenix a few pennies as charity, and gives in when Phoenix asks for a nickel. This nickel allows Phoenix to buy the paper windmill.
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Attendant Character Timeline in A Worn Path

The timeline below shows where the character Attendant appears in A Worn Path. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
A Worn Path
Race and Class Theme Icon
Perseverance and Power Theme Icon
Love Theme Icon
Human Dignity Theme Icon
An attendant sitting at a reception desk immediately pegs her as “a charity case”. The attendant questions... (full context)
Race and Class Theme Icon
Love Theme Icon
Nature and City Theme Icon
Human Dignity Theme Icon
...as charity. The nurse brings out the medicine, and marks “Charity” on a form. The attendant, noting that it’s Christmastime, asks if she can give Phoenix a few pennies, despite her... (full context)