As the story begins, the narrator introduces us to an old woman; one whom everyone sees, but nobody knows or understands. “People drive right down a road and never notice an old woman like that” (48). Although she is described as the ‘old woman’ numerous times, she is revered as strong, not as frail as people would associate with those who are aged. Her tenacity is keenly demonstrated as she diligently labors to feed a farm. This is her job, and she does it without complaint. Somehow, she succeeds in

Throughout her life the old woman administered to the care of others, “she died in a clearing in the woods and even after her death continued feeding animal life” (56). Once again, Anderson symbolizes the all-important cycle of life and the difference the old woman has made in the lives of others. Her life has come full circle; her mission is now complete.

At the end of the story the narrator recounts how the pieces of his life all come together for him since the passing of the old woman. Her death has given fuller meaning to his life. How strange that we gain insights into our own lives while reviewing the lives of others. The cycle of life and death is dependant on our cooperation, or lack thereof. We decide what we do with our lives. We need to know what mark we want to leave behind and try to live our life to that ideal.

Throughout the story we are continuously reminded of how many people and animals depend on the old woman to feed them. The narrator depicts her feeding meager supplies of food to the animals, the German couple, and her husband as well as her son. It is explicitly told that this is her role and duty in life, and she does it willingly without one bit of regret, complaint, or remorse. She simply accepts her position in life and wanders around her farm trying to figure out how she is going to get everything fed.

Following our encounter with the husband and son, Anderson flashes back to the woman’s youth in an abusive foster home, as well as a short courtship and brief marriage to an equall

Some topics in this essay:
Sherwood Anderson, cycle life, , husband son, throughout story, clearing woods, abusive husband, learn woman’s, life death, woman’s life, dogs run, life precious,