The path in a ‘Worn Path’ reveals the goal setting for Phoenix’s natural setting. It shows her sense of determination and fearlessness. For example, The rugged path, dying trees, barbed wire fences, thorny bushes and wild animals that Phoenix had to encounter with, was the author’s way of showing these characteristics. For instance, when her dress got caught in the bush she admitted that, had she known it was thorns she would have avoided the contact. Phoenix knows the capability of a thorn and accepts her experience as a challenge. The story presents an obstacle in each section of the path that Phoenix has to surmount. Yet, she accepts the obstacles as a part of the process in achieving her goal.

As Sammy thinks, he makes assessments of each girl and arrives at some conclusion. For example, he thinks one of the girls is beautiful except that life didn’t turn out the way she hoped. One would wonder whether he might become an expert in studying patterns of behavior. It is amazing the effort he puts into his evaluation and how he does it meticulously. When Lengel openly reveals his disapproval about their attire it becomes an issue. Sammy sees the conflict as an opportunity to make a difference. For example, when he saw the girl’s frustration and how intimidated they were by Lengel’s approach he felt pity for them. So without much thinking he makes a radical decision. He suddenly says, “I quit”! With the expectation that the girls will see him as a hero. At first everyone sees his reaction as a gesture, but Sammy decides to leaves. He walks through the door and off the job forever. The author makes it clear that as Sammy leaves the store he contemplates that if he adheres to the value system it is going to be a problem forever.

The character ‘Prince Prospero’ seems to want us to see his anger with the discovery of an intruder in his midst. He believes the mask figure is a mockery of him. His persistence in solving the puzzle leads him to the discovery of the Red Death.

The conflict in A&P shows Sammy’s need for individualism and the author’s need for dialogue setting. The author seems to want us to acknowledge that Sammy is not particularly happy working at

Some topics in this essay:
A&P Sammy’s, Updike Sammy, Red Death’, Prince Prospero, , Red Death, Eudora Welty, Welty Poe, Edgar Poe, red death’, dialogue setting, red death, goal setting, ‘worn path’,