Worn Path Symbolism

In the article “Toward the North Star: Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” and the slave narrative” by Kevin Moberly, the author Kevin Moberly connects the obstacles that appear in the path to the slave narrative and argues that the journey Phoenix Jackson makes is a journey that does not lead to freedom, but it leads into successive stages of bondage. He also argues that Phoenix’s crossing also suggests a descent into slavery and bondage. For example, the tapping of Phoenix Jackson’ cane links her to a symbol of freedom and voice “the chirping of a solitary little bird” (142). Throughout the journey she encounters different obstacles the first ones are the “woods” and “hills”. She is struggling up the hills, but she maintains her balance. While walking, she complains about how difficult it has become to walk this path, no doubt that she has traveled this path so many times. Climbing the hills, it gives an illusion to bondage. On the way she encounters “thorn bushes”, she struggles to release herself, but gets caught into another “Thorns, you doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass, no sir. Old eyes, though you were a pretty little green bush” Phoenix says while feeling a sense of deception. When one examines the first incident that undoubtedly recalls a trope of a slave narrative tradition, Phoenix says, “Now comes the trails,” she then proceeds to cross the log with her eyes shut “like a festival figure in some parade” (143). Phoenix actions, recalls the suffering

In “A Worn Path” colors are used to emphasize the depth and breadth of the story, and to reinforce the parallel images of the mythical phoenix and the protagonist Phoenix Jackson. Eudora Welty’s story is rich with references to colors that are both illustrative and perceptive, drawing us in to investigate an additional historical facet of the story.

In Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path,” the character Phoenix Jackson is introduced. Phoenix Jackson is an uneducated, African-American woman without any family besides her sick grandson. Phoenix is the hero of this story and fits the role well by delivering much-needed medicine to her grandson. Phoenix shows many distinct traits that reveal her to be a hero to her grandson. The heroic feats she accomplishes pave a path that leads to her satisfaction as well as protection of her most beloved asset, her grandson. Throughout the story, Phoenix’s humble, caring, and determined character is displayed through her actions.

The story of A Worn Path goes perfectly with the title; it is a slow paced mood with lots of symbolic messages associated with life. Phoenix Jackson is just representation of one person reaching a simple goal but for her may take a little more effort. Bound by her physical ailments of being old, slow, and brittle she never turns back giving up her goal. Through the symbolic obstacles that author Eudora Welty so cleverly puts together, puts a sense of what everyone goes through in life. Eudora Welty brings forth a theme; with enough persistence and boldness we can overcome any obstacle that we face and reach our goal. As we go through our life no matter what circumstances we may be in, there should be nothing that keeps us from achieving. Just like Phoenix Jackson she works towards a goal so important to her heart; she doesn’t let any obstacle come in her way.

“A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty portrays an elderly, southern, African American woman’s endurance through a lengthy journey from her home to Natchez, Mississippi to obtain medicine for her ill grandson. Throughout the journey, the protagonist, Phoenix Jackson, confronts several conflicts. The tale describes the encounters of Phoenix Jackson during her travels using literary devices such as symbolism, conflict, and allusion to detail Jackson’s experiences as she overcomes the physical, psychological, and social obstacles she faces that ultimately emphasize her character.

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty uses setting, characterization, and tone to illustrate the progresses of Phoenix, in a physical and emotional sense. The author illustrates the progress of Phoenix’s social, physical, and emotional sense to describe changing times and social norms. This allows the reader to get a clear and vivid out reach of what they are going to read about phoenix journey.

The main moral in A Worn Path is the love, and life of Phoenix Jackson. The path she travels across interrupts her life. Her love is the love and affection she has for her grandson. If we read the story closer then it may lead us to the conclusion that Phoenix really does not have a Grandson. Phoenix complains

“A Worn Path” tells of an elderly and frail black woman and of the hardships that she must overcome. Upon reading the story, you realize that there is more to the story than meets the eye. She faces many roadblocks along her way. Phoenix faces many dangerous obstacles along her way, for a person of her age. She faces racism from some of characters she meets along the way. Phoenix faces inferior treatment, as though she is nothing more than some insect to squash. This story is about not only her ‘journey’ to Natchez, but also about her journey through society and the struggle to overcome the dangers, being treated inferior, and the racism.

Trials and tribulations are thrusted upon Phenox Jackson as she journeys from her serene home in the countryside to the city for her grandson’s medicine. She encounters dangers that many people would flee from, yet she stands her ground and continues on her path. Through these dangers, Eudora Welty, author of A Worn Path, uses direct and indirect characterization through Phoenix Jackson’s description and actions. Welty paints a picture by Jackson’s characterizations that show how she is capable of withstanding obstacles and is tenacious on her journey into the seemingly unforgiving city.

Eudora Welty tells the story of Phoenix Jackson, an elderly African American woman, who takes a long frequent journey on the Natchez trace. Due to the fact Phoenix is so old and the trip is an exponentially difficult one in which she must overcome many obstacles to reach her destination. Ultimately her fierce determination enables Phoenix to accomplish her annual goal of getting the grandson his medicine. In "A Worn Path" she uses symbolism and vivid characterization to show how determination and love will enable people to survive no matter the difficultly of the situation or the struggle they face. Phoenix becomes a great example for people who face problems and illustrates the qualities necessary to succeed when barriers block success.

The story “A Worn Path” is about an old black woman called Phoenix Jackson. She used to live in a village far away from the town. She had no one except a grandson. He was very sick so she had to go to the town at regular intervals to bring medicine for her grandson. The town was very far from her village and the journey was really very difficult.

“A Worn Path”, written by Eudora Welty, is a short story about an old woman named Phoenix Jackson. Phoenix Jackson is making a long journey to the city of Natchez to get medicine for her grandson. While traveling to Natchez, Phoenix encounters many difficulties. Through these trials, she demonstrates her determination, persistence, and her love for her grandson.

The worn path written by Eudora Welty (1941) is a great short story about Phoenix Jackson, an old African American woman who beats all odds to make a trip into town for medicine for her grandson, she overcomes many challenges that test her courage and will. Because of her loyalty and love, Phoenix has sacrificed her own well-being on this dangerous path for the well-being of her grandson.

The short story “A Worn Path” surrounds the character Phoenix Jackson. The setting of the story is in December on a very cold day early in the morning. The content of this story suggests Phoenix Jackson is a very old woman who walks from the old Natchez

The old saying “love will make you do crazy things” can be seen in a new light within this story. While this is not a mushy story of two lovers, this is an example of genuine love. Phoenix, the older lady within the story, exhibited her love by traveling a long, hard journey to retrieve a medication that her grandson needed. Her perseverance through the trials of nature and the society around her gives the reader such hope. It can be assumed that Phoenix, like her grandson, is not in perfect health. Her mental stability can be questioned at various times throughout the story. For example, at one point she mistakes a scarecrow for a ghost. As for the physical health of Phoenix, there is evidence in the first paragraph that she is old and frail. Life and death are presented in a way that makes you want to keep fighting.