In Eudora Welty's story "A Visit of Charity," readers get a glimpse of a young girl witnessing what might be her own fate when she is older. When Marian goes to visit the Old Ladies' Home as an act of charity for her Campfire Girl requirement, she expects that it will be a quick and painless visit. During her visit, Marian sees women who remind her of sheep and who bicker constantly. As she watches the two old women, they become increasingly mean to each other, and Marian becomes increasingly disoriented. At one point, Marian can't even remember her own name.
When the old woman makes Addie cry, saying the reason she’s upset is because it’s her birthday, the spell over Marian is broken. Once Addie cries, Marian recognizes the cruelty of the women and is able to break free. Therefore Addie's crying is what causes her to abruptly leave the women’s room, but more importantly, the recognition of the ugliness and cruelty in that place and between women is what ultimately impels her to escape.
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