Phoenix’s encounters with the different people allow us to draw a connection between her physical challenges and her social struggles. With her each new meeting, a part of her character is further revealed. She handles each situation differently which exposes her weaknesses.
The first encounter with the hunter ties her struggles with racism and the color of her skin together. Even though the hunter displays kindness, he still tests out his power with his gun: “.... he lifted his gun and pointed it straight at Phoenix… ‘Doesn’t the gun scare you?’... ‘No sir, I seen plenty go off closer by, in my day, and for less than what I've done,’ she said holding utterly still.” Her fear rises while she faces the gun but, instead of breaking down, she remains solid. Had it not been for her skin color, the white man wouldn’t have threatened her; he was unable to ignore the itch for superiority. The man also makes a remark that she should turn around and go home to be safe. This also indicates that other may not accept her skin color. However, this circumstance does reveal that Phoenix possesses courage. Even though she potentially faces death, Phoenix remains standing tall. She recognizes that not everyone accepts her and that there is still hate within hearts. Regardless, she knows that …show more content…
As soon as the woman asks her what she is in for, Phoenix is unable to answer. “‘Speak up Grandma,’ the woman said…. Old Phoenix only gave a twitch to her face as if a fly were bothering her.” Her old age suddenly becomes a burden to others since the attendant does not have patience. Phoenix’s age also weighs her down because it has deteriorated her memory; she couldn’t remember why she had made the journey. Between the woman on the street and the attendant, Phoenix’s weakness is revealed. She’s self conscious of her appearance; her old age annoys certain people and makes them unwilling to help
The first encounter with the hunter ties her struggles with racism and the color of her skin together. Even though the hunter displays kindness, he still tests out his power with his gun: “.... he lifted his gun and pointed it straight at Phoenix… ‘Doesn’t the gun scare you?’... ‘No sir, I seen plenty go off closer by, in my day, and for less than what I've done,’ she said holding utterly still.” Her fear rises while she faces the gun but, instead of breaking down, she remains solid. Had it not been for her skin color, the white man wouldn’t have threatened her; he was unable to ignore the itch for superiority. The man also makes a remark that she should turn around and go home to be safe. This also indicates that other may not accept her skin color. However, this circumstance does reveal that Phoenix possesses courage. Even though she potentially faces death, Phoenix remains standing tall. She recognizes that not everyone accepts her and that there is still hate within hearts. Regardless, she knows that …show more content…
As soon as the woman asks her what she is in for, Phoenix is unable to answer. “‘Speak up Grandma,’ the woman said…. Old Phoenix only gave a twitch to her face as if a fly were bothering her.” Her old age suddenly becomes a burden to others since the attendant does not have patience. Phoenix’s age also weighs her down because it has deteriorated her memory; she couldn’t remember why she had made the journey. Between the woman on the street and the attendant, Phoenix’s weakness is revealed. She’s self conscious of her appearance; her old age annoys certain people and makes them unwilling to help