"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty: A Complete Lesson Plan

This plan can be used with any high school short story unit or study of Eudora Welty’s work. The file includes easy to follow graphic organizers to guide close reading, improve comprehension, and support critical thinking.

A one-page handout provides brief notes on the life of Eudora Welty, Modernism, Local Color, and Natchez.

Reader response pages divide the story into three sections based on the three stages of Phoenix Jackson’s journey to Natchez. These include analysis of tone, character traits, atmosphere or mood, and figurative language. A variety of quotes and prompts guide readers to identify, infer, or react. Two handouts with tone words and character traits are provided for possible support.

The third segment also contains a guided discussion of the author’s purpose and the uncertain ending. Two additional organizers include brief analysis of the title and the story’s symbolism and a fun drawing activity to illustrate or annotate a timeline of the story. A detailed sample answer key for all read and respond pages and the symbolism analysis will make planning and teaching easier.

A quiz with key provides assessment.

Contents List (All contents are PDF files)

Student Notes: Life and Work of Eudora Welty, Modernism, Local Color,

Graphic Organizers (a quote signals the end of each section)

Section 1: The Woods

Section 2: The Hunter

Section 3: Natchez

Helpful Handouts: List of Tone Words & Character Traits

Graphic Organizer: Symbolism in “The Worn Path”

Detailed Sample Answer Key for Reader Response Pages and Symbolism Analysis

Graphic Organizer: Illustrate and Annotate the Journey of Phoenix Jackson (This is a guide but my students have also used plain art paper for this and designed their own maps.)

Quiz: Multiple Choice, Yes or No Inference questions, Constructed Response, Key