Eudora Welty’s A Worn Path, is the story of a woman that is determined to overcome any obstacles that come before her. Phoenix Jackson is a woman of determination, pride and selflessness. Within the lines of this story, the personality of an older black woman from the south unfolds as she travels to town for medication for her grandson. In the travels to town, Phoenix Jackson takes a path that she is well familiarized with. Once through the thicket, the path goes up a steep incline. Seem like there is chains about my feet, time I get this far Something always take a hold of me on this hill pleads I should stay.
(489) Showing her determination, Phoenix proceeds to climb this hill because she knows it must be done in order to reach her destination. Miss Jackson takes great pride in her outward appearance. In efforts to climb through a barbed- wire fence she had to creep and crawl, spreading her knees and fingers a baby she could not let her dress be torn now, so late in the day (489) Phoenix knew that she must be presentable when going into town. She also requests the help of a stranger to lace up (her) shoe Do all right for out in the country, but wouldn t look right to go in the big building. (492) Selflessness is a key character trait that is in this story of Phoenix Jackson.
As the story begins, the reader is led to believe that the old woman is on her way to town for herself. However, near the end of the story, Phoenix walks into a doctor s office and tells her reason for traveling all the way into town. Is you grandson s throat any better since the last time you came for the medicine? (492) This single sentence, not even spoken by Phoenix, tells why she journeyed into the town of Natchez that day. Miss Jackson goes on to say So the time come around, and I go on another trip for the soothing medicine. (493) It is apparent that Phoenix is not concerned about herself, but for the well being of her sick grandson. On her journey, Phoenix acquired ten cents.
The Essay on A Worn Path Phoenix Character Story
... Worn Path Detail of an elderly Negro woman's journey from deep in the country to town, the while on mission of love. Phoenix Jackson, an ... up, Eudora Welty brings the story, "A Worn Path", to life through the use of the character Phoenix Jackson and symbols. While overcoming ... symbols brings color and fullness to the character in the story. This sets the time, place and shows hardships that developed ...
Instead of buying herself something she going to the store and buy my child a little windmill they sells (493) Phoenix Jackson is an extremely courageous woman in A Worn Path. She lets nothing get in the way of what she desires to do. Her determination to get what and do what she wants, pride in herself and selflessness in order to help others, are stated clearly through-out this story written by Eudora Welty.
