... . As for the question that some may have about whether or not the grandson lives, the answer can be found in Welty's frequent references to death and supernatural spirits. Phoenix notes that "down in the hollow was the mourning dove it was not too late for him-(106). Is she referring to the dove and the time of day, or is ... the true meaning applied inwardly? Is Phoenix telling herself that it is not too late to grieve for her dead grandson? Phoenix's vision, that of a little boy who brings her "a little plate with a slice of marble cake on it,"" may very well be the image of her grands...

• Word Count: 727
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School