Name:
Instructor:
Subject:
Date: A Worn Path
By Eudora Welty
Comprehension (35 pts.; 5 pts. ea.)
On the line provided, write the letter of the best answer to each of the following items.
______ 1. On her journey, Phoenix encounters a.
an old woman with a cane b.
a hunter and his dog c.
a young girl with a plate d.
an alligator under a log
______ 2. The incidents with the torn bush and the scarecrow indicate that Phoenix a.
has trouble seeing b.
fears nothing c.
has trouble walking d.
drifts in and out of consciousness
______ 3. Throughout her journey, Phoenix a.
wants to turn back b.
tries to remember where she is going c.
is determined to keep going d.
thinks only of her grandson
______ 4. How is Phoenix able to remember the way to the doctor’s office? a.
After many trips to the doctor, her feet remember where to take her. b.
She asks many helpful people for directions. c.
She is able to find her way with the help of some schoolchildren. d.
She is able to find her way with the help of a large black dog.
______ 5. When Phoenix arrives at the doctor’s office, what does the attendant think? a.
She thinks that Phoenix is in the wrong building. b.
She thinks Phoenix is insane. c.
She supposes that Phoenix is from the country. d.
She supposes the Phoenix is a “charity case”.
______ 6. Phoenix is going to use her two nickels to buy a.
a paper windmill b.
some throat medicine c.
a new dress d.
a new cane
______ 7. Phoenix imagines that she sees a.
a buzzard in a cornfield b.
a log across a creek c.
her dress caught in a bush d.
a boy with a slice of marble cake
Literary Elements: Theme (20 pts.; 10 pts. ea.)
On the line provided, write the letter of the best answer to each of the following items.
Pd.:

______ 8. The main theme of “A Worn Path” can best be described as a.
the persistent temptation to steal is a test of faith. b.
Incredible physical strength can result from age and wisdom. c.
An overwhelming presence of nature can threaten human lives. d.
Strong devotion helps people continue on a difficult journey.
______ 9. The main theme of the story can best be compared to a.
an endless road to nowhere b.
a long trail with obstacles and challenges c.
a high-speed chase down a freeway d.
a bumpy dirt road through a wheat field
Vocabulary (20 pts.; 2 pts. ea.)
Match the definition on the left with the Word to Own on the right. Write the letter of the Word to Own on the line provided.
_______ 10. continuing
_______ 11. groove made by a plow
_______ 12. purposeful
_______ 13. serious a. intent b. radiation c. solemn d. persistent
_______ 14. lighted up
_______ 15. pattern; arrangement e. meditative f. appointed
_______ 16. deeply thoughtful
_______ 17. formal
_______ 18. assigned g. pendulum h. illumined i. furrow
_______19. freely swinging weight that regulates a clock’s movement j. ceremonial
Written Response (25 pts.)
20. In the space provided, write a brief essay describing Phoenix’s character. What kind of person is she? Make at least two references to details in the story to support your description.