The motivation of short story characters, as well as the theme, is revealed by authors through dialogue, setting and symbolism. These three stories stress the need for this kind of writing. In a "Worn Path" Eudora Welty introduces Phoenix through settings to show she's goal oriented. On the other hand, Edgar Poe in "The Masque of the Red Death" stresses symbolism to show life and death. Meanwhile, "A&P" by John Updike presents Sammy through dialogue for the need of individualism.
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. .
But the story also reveals the necessity for her goal in the man made setting. This is clearly seen when she reaches the clinic and is looking at the gold seal. She seems not to remember the purpose of her travel. The atmosphere at the clinic was cold and everything appears to be at a fast pace. It seems hard for her to adjust to the new environment since she is accustoming to being alone. On her departure she purchases a windmill so as to give her a new goal for the reverse journey. From her speech Phoenix does not seem to have much education and her impoverished condition makes me feel pity for her. .
Unlike Welty, Poe in the "Masque of the Red Death" uses the castles and its contents as a symbol to reveal his theme.
