Here's how the technique contributes to the overall effect:
* Short sentences: The brevity of the sentences mirrors Marian's growing disorientation and the quickening pace of her experience. As the visit becomes more uncomfortable and she feels increasingly trapped, the clipped nature of the sentences reinforces the claustrophobia and her struggle to escape.
* Quickened pace: The rapid succession of short sentences creates a sense of urgency and anxiety. It mirrors Marian's mounting unease and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the situation.
* Disillusionment: Marian enters the story with a sense of purpose and optimism, but the encounter with the elderly woman reveals a harsh reality. The rapid pace underscores the disappointment and disillusionment she experiences as her idealized notion of "charity work" crumbles.
* Confusion: The rapid fire of sentences mimics the chaos and confusion in Marian's mind. The encounter forces her to confront the complexities of human connection, leaving her unsure of how to act or react.
* Isolation: The final sentence, "She looked up, and saw no one." is particularly poignant. The isolation of the old woman becomes Marian's own. The final image reinforces the theme of human disconnect and the difficulty of genuine connection.
By using this technique, Welty allows the reader to feel the weight of Marian's emotional journey. The abruptness of the short sentences and the quickened pace drive home the unsettling and ultimately isolating nature of her visit.