A Worn Path Phoenix Jackson Character Traits

A phoenix is a mythological bird that bursts into flames and is reborn from the ashes. This bird represents strength and perseverance. The protagonist in Eudora Welty’s short story “A Worn Path” is named Phoenix Jackson. Phoenix Jackson is an old Negro woman on her way into Natchez, Mississippi for medicine for her sick grandson. Some readers may view Phoenix Jackson as a stubborn, foolish old woman; however, Phoenix displays her sense of bravery, dedication and pride throughout the story. Phoenix Jackson is a brave character. In “A Worn Path” Eudora Welty tells how Phoenix, an old woman who uses an umbrella as a cane, pushes through the woods of Mississippi. One way Phoenix shows her bravery is her perseverance to make the difficult journey alone. Phoenix must battle nature as she climbs hills and crosses logs that runs across a river. Another example is when Phoenix comes across a huntsman during her journey. The huntsman points his gun at Phoenix and questions if the weapon scares her. Phoenix

Welty describes Phoenix’s journey in “A Worn Path” as a hard one for an old woman. Yet, despite the challenges and distance, Phoenix pushes on. Phoenix suggests she makes this long trip twice a year mentioning how hard it is to make the journey with snakes and alligators in her way. Regardless of the danger, Phoenix still insists on going to town. Once Phoenix reaches Natchez she goes to a doctor’s office to retrieve medicine for her sick grandson. The attendant has pity for Phoenix. The attendant gives Phoenix a nickel. Phoenix says, “I going to the store and buy my child a little windmill they sells, made out of paper. He going to find it hard to believe there such a thing in the world” (Welty.) After her long journey, Phoenix doesn’t use the money to buy herself a meal or something for herself; instead she spends the money on her grandson. This is another example of Phoenix’s dedication to her sick