A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty is a short story in which fulfills all aspects of literary ideas. Phoenix Jackson’s only real motivation for living is to help keep her young grandson alive. While there are a multitude of literary elements and devices throughout the story, some of the first ones have the biggest impact. She makes this trek continuously, and as she nears the end of her old life, she will nourish her grandson back to health. Her journey to Natchez is filled with some hindrances, but can mainly be broken down into the physical, social, and mental obstacles that stand in her way. Welty utilizes numerous nature symbols to illustrate Phoenix strong will and determination. These symbols come at a few different points in the story and
…show more content…
Without her sense of humor, Phoenix more than likely couldn 't have kept up the will or determination to accomplish her goal. Phoenix never gives up after been confronted with all kind of deterrents. On her way to the field, she thinks she sees a ghost, but after calling out to it and not receiving an answer, she “shut her eyes, reached out her hand, and touched a sleeve. She found a coat and inside that an emptiness, cold as ice” (Welty 650). When she understands it is a scarecrow and not a ghost, her face lights up and she giggles, and she says “I ought to be shut up for good” (Phoenix 650). Rather than being embarrassed, she just laughs off her fears and dance with the scarecrow and continue her way.
Another quality that fuels Phoenix determination and will is compassion. She feels extraordinary compassion for her grandson and without this feeling of love, she would not have had the determination or will power to get the medicine. Despite the fact that Phoenix forgets why she made the journey, once she regains her memory her sympathy for her grandson shines brightly. “We [are] the only two left in the world” (Phoenix 653) this statement apparently means Phoenix is willing to do anything for her grandson for they only have one
Without her sense of humor, Phoenix more than likely couldn 't have kept up the will or determination to accomplish her goal. Phoenix never gives up after been confronted with all kind of deterrents. On her way to the field, she thinks she sees a ghost, but after calling out to it and not receiving an answer, she “shut her eyes, reached out her hand, and touched a sleeve. She found a coat and inside that an emptiness, cold as ice” (Welty 650). When she understands it is a scarecrow and not a ghost, her face lights up and she giggles, and she says “I ought to be shut up for good” (Phoenix 650). Rather than being embarrassed, she just laughs off her fears and dance with the scarecrow and continue her way.
Another quality that fuels Phoenix determination and will is compassion. She feels extraordinary compassion for her grandson and without this feeling of love, she would not have had the determination or will power to get the medicine. Despite the fact that Phoenix forgets why she made the journey, once she regains her memory her sympathy for her grandson shines brightly. “We [are] the only two left in the world” (Phoenix 653) this statement apparently means Phoenix is willing to do anything for her grandson for they only have one