A proper conclusion is a necessary part of any literary work, as it provides the reader with sufficient knowledge regarding the antagonists’ stories. By addressing the closing events and clarifying the outcomes of the situations portrayed, the author offers the reader a clear understanding of the narrative’s consequences. The classic examples of American short stories, namely Winter Dreams and A Worn Path, present unsettling endings, with the primary characters failing to achieve their life goals and the future of certain individuals remaining unresolved.
A search for true happiness is an essential part of any individual’s life. In the short story Winter Dreams by Scott Fitzgerald, Dexter Green pursues an American dream, which proves to be a fruitless endeavor. At the end of the writing, the young man realizes that economic affluence does not grant him feelings of happiness and fulfillment, as he finally perceives the woman of his dreams for who she is. Fitzgerald writes that “Even the grief he could have borne was left behind in the country of illusion, of youth, of the richness of life, where his winter dreams had flourished” (Fitzgerald, 2009, p. 24). It is now evident that Dexter had spent his entire adolescence engaging in a futile endeavor, and the years during which he attempted to secure monetary wealth can never be replaced.
The uncertainty of a character’s fate is another factor that creates an unsettling ending. In the story A Worn Path by Eudora Welty, Phoenix Jackson is exceptionally passionate about delivering medicine to her grandson, attempting a difficult and arduous journey for this purpose. At the end of the narrative, it is never revealed if the boy is still alive, as Phoenix states that “He not dead, he just the same” (Welty, 1991, p. 28). However, the grandson might be dead, with his illness being a part of the old woman’s imagination, similar to some of the characters she previously encountered along the path. Thus, the narrative concludes with an uncertain ending, compelling the reader to contemplate the events described.
In my opinion, the journey of Dexter Green is not as futile as it might seem. Even though he could not achieve his initial goals and had to leave behind the pursuit of his beloved, the young man attained significant wealth and resources to sustain himself and live a prosperous life. The realization of his dreams’ futility is undoubtedly an unfortunate event, but it also presents an opportunity for future growth and development.
The lack of knowledge regarding Phoenix’s grandson’s fate is a significant factor in understanding the vanity of her journeys. While the old woman’s trips may be defined as meaningless, I believe that these activities are not futile, as they allow her to save the life of her close relative. Even if the grandson has, in fact, passed away, from Phoenix’s point of view, she is significantly contributing to his well-being, which is the most important action for her.
Each of the stories evaluated is a perfect example of the situations that can transpire in real life, offering the readers a possibility to examine their own actions. The American dream concept is a common stereotype pursued by young people, who could learn crucial knowledge about the importance of choosing appropriate values. As for the A Worn Path, it is an incredible demonstration of love and the sacrifice that significant others can endure. Studying the struggle that Phoenix encountered to save her grandson is an exceptional example for audiences of various ages.
To conclude, the unsettling endings of classical American short stories Winter Dreams and A Worn Path were discussed in detail in this essay. It is evident that both works are concluded with uncertain events, producing impressions of ambivalence and futility on the reader. Although the scenarios depicted might be viewed as hopeless, these scenarios may present a possibility for growth and emotional fulfillment, which are imperative for these individuals.
References
Fitzgerald, F. S. (2009). Winter Dreams. Juniper Grove.
Welty, E. (1991). A Worn Path. Creative Co.