Brandon Leininger
Mr. Thym
English 1020
17 September 2015
The heroism of Phoenix Jackson A Worn Path, written by Eudora Welter, is a short novel that captures the heart of heroism. Taking place in the mid-nineteen hundreds, the story is about a poor, elderly African American women, Phoenix Jackson, from southwestern Mississippi. While traveling a long, treacherous journey, Phoenix Jackson’s goal is to obtain medicine for her ailing grandson from the city clinic. During her perilous journey, Phoenix overcomes struggles and temptations that challenge her determination, the strength of her heart and the ability to sacrifice everything for her grandson. Despite Phoenix’s old age, physical handicaps, and the oppressive environment, …show more content…
On her journey, Phoenix if constantly giving up her comfort, security, and ultimately risking her own life in hopes to save her grandsons. The story’s theme of self-sacrifice is best emphasized in Phoenix’s name. The legend of the Phoenix is about a mythical bird that lives until a time of calling, were it then gives its life to the fire and flames before rising out of the flames and ashes as a reborn bird. Likewise, Welter’s Phoenix Jackson sacrifices her life and rises out from her turmoil. Moreover, the story’s title A Worn Path suggest the repeated journey Phoenix has had to make. Additionally, being her old age, her life is constantly at risk both physically and mentally. For example, while she was walking up the hill she mentions “Seem like I got chains on my feet… Something always takes a hold of me on this hill… pleads I should stay” (Welty 649). Another instance of her sacrificing her physical health is when she mentions that she cannot see. Her feet are her eyes and her eyes are her feet. Further, when the attendant believes the clinic is giving out charity, the true charity is seen in the sacrifices made by Phoenix. By the end of the story, Phoenix is left with two nickels that she collected from the white hunter and the clinic attendant. But instead of spending it on perhaps food for her long trip back home, she gives up all of the money so she can …show more content…
Eudora Welter clearly shows it takes a strong, selfless spirit to endure life’s harsh circumstances, all at the expense for someone else. The story of Phoenix Jackson is awe inspiring and filled with hope. The difficulties of social injustice did not waver her enduring perseverance, nor did her unfailing love quiver while in suffering. When the white hunter wielded a shotgun in Phoenix’s face, her persevering attitude prevailed. Likewise, her everlasting love for her grandson was greatly expressed by the physical demands she overcame. After crossing the creek, the temptation was fierce but still Phoenix Jackson prevailed. And just like the legend of the Phoenix, Phoenix Jackson rose above the midst of flames and
Mr. Thym
English 1020
17 September 2015
The heroism of Phoenix Jackson A Worn Path, written by Eudora Welter, is a short novel that captures the heart of heroism. Taking place in the mid-nineteen hundreds, the story is about a poor, elderly African American women, Phoenix Jackson, from southwestern Mississippi. While traveling a long, treacherous journey, Phoenix Jackson’s goal is to obtain medicine for her ailing grandson from the city clinic. During her perilous journey, Phoenix overcomes struggles and temptations that challenge her determination, the strength of her heart and the ability to sacrifice everything for her grandson. Despite Phoenix’s old age, physical handicaps, and the oppressive environment, …show more content…
On her journey, Phoenix if constantly giving up her comfort, security, and ultimately risking her own life in hopes to save her grandsons. The story’s theme of self-sacrifice is best emphasized in Phoenix’s name. The legend of the Phoenix is about a mythical bird that lives until a time of calling, were it then gives its life to the fire and flames before rising out of the flames and ashes as a reborn bird. Likewise, Welter’s Phoenix Jackson sacrifices her life and rises out from her turmoil. Moreover, the story’s title A Worn Path suggest the repeated journey Phoenix has had to make. Additionally, being her old age, her life is constantly at risk both physically and mentally. For example, while she was walking up the hill she mentions “Seem like I got chains on my feet… Something always takes a hold of me on this hill… pleads I should stay” (Welty 649). Another instance of her sacrificing her physical health is when she mentions that she cannot see. Her feet are her eyes and her eyes are her feet. Further, when the attendant believes the clinic is giving out charity, the true charity is seen in the sacrifices made by Phoenix. By the end of the story, Phoenix is left with two nickels that she collected from the white hunter and the clinic attendant. But instead of spending it on perhaps food for her long trip back home, she gives up all of the money so she can …show more content…
Eudora Welter clearly shows it takes a strong, selfless spirit to endure life’s harsh circumstances, all at the expense for someone else. The story of Phoenix Jackson is awe inspiring and filled with hope. The difficulties of social injustice did not waver her enduring perseverance, nor did her unfailing love quiver while in suffering. When the white hunter wielded a shotgun in Phoenix’s face, her persevering attitude prevailed. Likewise, her everlasting love for her grandson was greatly expressed by the physical demands she overcame. After crossing the creek, the temptation was fierce but still Phoenix Jackson prevailed. And just like the legend of the Phoenix, Phoenix Jackson rose above the midst of flames and