Life In Phoenix Jackson's A Worn Path

This is a familiar and difficult trip for Phoenix, but there is satisfaction for her in making this journey. It gives her life meaning, a purpose. Though quite old and suffering from infirmities, Phoenix Jackson regularly walks a long distance to obtain medicine for her grandchild. Even in cold weather, when the frozen earth is slippery, she makes the trip. Her journey, the worn path she follows, demonstrates her love for the child. Phoenix travels over many different kinds of surfaces, from sand, to wagon trails, to sidewalks. She also encounters many obstacles along her path, from the thorns to the stream crossing, to the hunter, scarecrow, and the lone dog. Some of the obstacles are foreseen and most are surprises to her. The day she can no longer make this visit is probably the beginning of the end for her, as she will have lost her purpose in life. …show more content…
Like the title, it describes her life along with the life of those struggling against poverty and prejudice. In "A Worn Path," there is a mix of evergreens, trees that appear to live forever, and deciduous trees, trees that temporarily appear as if they've died when their leaves fall off. The use of both types of trees ties into the general exploration of life and death and the cycles between the two that Welty has going on in the story. “Her fingers were busy and intent, but her skirts were full and long, so that before she could pull them free in one place they were caught in another. It was not possible to allow the dress to tear. ‘I in the thorny bush,’ she said. ‘Thorns, you doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass—no,